The US Moves Towards Mandatory Anti-Drunk Driving Technology in New Vehicles

Photo of author

By Carina

In a landmark announcement, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken a crucial step toward enhancing road safety.

The agency is advancing towards mandating anti-drunk driving technology in all new passenger vehicles, a move aimed at significantly reducing drunk-driving incidents.

Credit: DepositPhotos

Groundwork for Future Safety Standards

On December 12, the NHTSA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, a pivotal step in establishing standards for potential alcohol-impairment detection technology in new cars.

This initiative is in response to the bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which mandates the establishment of a technology safety standard by November 2024.

In 2021, Congress directed the NHTSA to implement passive technology to prevent over 10,000 annual road deaths.

Read More: Billionaire Bill Ackman Accuses Harvard of DEI-Driven Hiring

Staggering Impact of Drunk-Driving Crashes

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming statistics. In 2021, drunk-driving crashes resulted in more than 13,380 fatalities, inflicting a staggering $280 billion toll on society, encompassing lost wages, diminished quality of life, and medical expenses.

Polly Trottenberg, the deputy secretary of the Department of Transportation, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “It is tragic that drunk-driving crashes are one of the leading causes of roadway fatalities in this country and far too many lives are lost.”

The Road to a New Safety Standard

The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, as Trottenberg pointed out, represents the initial step towards a new safety standard that mandates alcohol-impaired driving prevention technology in new passenger vehicles.

This regulatory notice is vital for the NHTSA to gather information on deploying such technology safely and effectively. It also supports the agency’s ongoing research and technological advancements.

Also Read: X users celebrate fact-checking of KJP’s ‘Bidenomics’ claims

Exploring Technological Solutions

Several potential technologies are under development to prevent impaired individuals from operating vehicles. These include breath- or touch-based sensors to detect alcohol and the use of cameras to monitor drivers’ eye movements for signs of intoxication.

However, before mandating such technologies, the U.S. regulator must first ascertain their efficacy.

The Industry’s Adjustment Period

Once the technology is proven effective and the guidelines are finalized, automakers will be given a minimum of three years to incorporate the technology into new vehicles.

This phase is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and full compliance with the new safety standards.

Support and Urgency from MADD

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a leading nonprofit organization, has expressed strong support for the NHTSA’s initiative.

MADD National President Tess Rowland highlighted the critical nature of these efforts, saying, “Everyone involved in this rulemaking process at NHTSA and everyone designing impaired-driving prevention technologies at car companies need to understand that this is about saving human beings from the horror I’ve experienced and from the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands of Americans.”

The Rising Tide of Drunk-Driving Deaths

MADD’s statistics reveal a concerning trend: drunk-driving deaths in the U.S. have increased by 35 percent over the past decade and 14 percent in the last two years.

These fatalities exceeded 13,000 for the first time since 2007, emphasizing the urgent need for effective countermeasures.

A Call for Action

The NHTSA’s initiative is more than a regulatory measure; it is a lifesaving endeavor. As the U.S. moves closer to implementing these technological safeguards, the hope is that the roads will become significantly safer, sparing countless families from the tragedies caused by drunk driving.

Read Next: The US Joins Global Pledge to Reduce Emissions from Air Conditioners and Refrigerators

Related Posts

Leave a Comment