It would seem that the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan is intending to produce cars that will not start if you have more than the legal limit of alcohol in your bloodstream in a move that could well see the implementation of anti drink drive devices becoming common place in automobiles.
The vehicles in question will feature one of two possible technologies to prevent the engine starting if you are over the legal limit.
The first is a pin coded ignition system whereby you will have to enter a unique pin number to start the vehicle – the general consensus being that those over intoxicated are unlikely to remember their pin numbers. Of course, there is nothing stopping the avid drink driver from simply writing down the code, so this seems a little redundant as a satisfactory safety device.
The second possible implementation of this system would involve a breathalyser being linked to the vehicle’s ignition. The driver would therefore have to blow into a tube protruding from either the steering column or the dashboard in order to convince that car that they are not too inebriated to drive.
Whilst one could reasonably argue that this is another step towards the Big Brother state, I would argue that if such a device could save lives then surely it’s a measure that we should ultimately embrace. Whilst it is not for me to launch into a diatribe on the whys and wherefores of drink driving, the fact is that there is an element who will get behind a wheel whilst incapacitated by alcohol and, ultimately, it is because of that element in each of our societies that such measures are being even being considered.
If such a device saves even one young life (and the family’s anguish) then, as a feeling human being, I cannot help but applaud the idea.
What are your thoughts? Is this going to far? Would you buy a car with such a device?
Linked Externally? Click here to return to main site or click here to go directly to the post archive.
Related Reading on TFTS
2 Responses/Trackbacks concerning
“Time to Discuss – The Anti Drink Drive Car”
TRACKBACKS FROM OTHER SITES
Latest News in Time to Discuss
RESPONSES
Though i can see the value in this it seems just another way of allowing people not to take responsibility for their own actions. Unfortunately the drawback of a ‘nanny state’ which we live in in the UK at the moment is a) people will feel constrained by rules and opt out of societal responsibilites and/or b) allow all their decisions to be made by technology, government or authority figures and forget how to make decisions for themselves.
Oh dear, am beginning to sound like a grumpy old man.
Thanks for great post, though!
I absolutely agree with your sentiments, we do seem to be all too happy to allow (if not actively promote) technology somehow absolving us from our responsibilities. Unfortunately, with certain people being all to happy to get into cars under the influence one would hope that such a device fitted to a car would save lives (and save drunk drivers involved in catastrophic incidents from living with the guilt of such incidents).
It is, of course, a shame if things ultimately have to come to this, I agree, but, personally, I can see governments favouring such schemes (and probably, in the long run, insurance companies offering discounts if such devices are fitted).
It will be interesting to see if this all sees the light of day.
Thank you for posting a comment, by the way – it was lovely to hear from you.