To enhance road safety, U.S. auto safety regulators announced on Tuesday that they have initiated the process to compel automakers to integrate new technology preventing intoxicated individuals from starting vehicles.
In response to a congressional directive from 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has embarked on a mission to mandate a passive technology designed to prevent over 10,000 annual road deaths. The law stipulates the establishment of a new technology safety standard by November 2024, provided the technology is deemed ready for implementation.
Several potential technologies are currently in development to thwart impaired driving, including breath- or touch-based sensors capable of detecting alcohol. Another option involves the use of cameras to monitor eye movements, aiming to determine if drivers are under the influence.
However, NHTSA will only mandate the technology if it is assured of its efficacy and accuracy. Once the rules are finalised, automakers will be given a minimum of three years to implement the technology.
Acting NHTSA Administrator Ann Carlson emphasised the importance of ensuring the technology’s reliability, stating, “We are trying to see if we can get it done, does the technology exist in a way that is going to work every time.” She added that public acceptance of the technology hinges on its accuracy, particularly considering the approximately 1 billion daily driving journeys in the United States.
To gather information on the development and implementation of such technology, the NHTSA published an “advance notice of proposed rulemaking” on Tuesday. The regulatory notice outlines the necessary research and technological advancements required to finalise regulations, exploring options for potential rules such as “Blood alcohol content detection, impairment-detection (driver monitoring), or a combination.”
Mothers Against Drunk Driving President Tess Rowland expressed satisfaction with NHTSA’s initiative, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “We understand we still have a mountain to climb,” Rowland said. “Victims and survivors are not going to let this die.”
In 2021, alcohol-impaired driving led to 13,384 fatalities, according to the most recent available statistics. Acting NHTSA Administrator Ann Carlson will testify before a U.S. House of Representatives committee on Wednesday, revealing that U.S. traffic deaths decreased by 4.5% in the first nine months of the year after a sharp rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carlson emphasised cautious optimism, stating, “While we are optimistic that we’re finally seeing a reversal of the record-high fatalities seen during the pandemic, this is not a cause for celebration.”