Non-alcoholic-breath-operated cars
Discussion
The New York Times, in an article (21 Oct 2007), reports that automakers and researchers, with US government funding, are working on anti-drunk-driving interlocks that ALL drivers will have to pass in order to drive their cars, whether or not they have a record for DWI.
Among other things, the article notes that to start a car with the interlocks currently used, ``the driver must puff a breath into the unit. To avoid cheating, the breath puff is measured and must be given in a uniquely identifiable way that would be hard for a person who is not the driver to duplicate.'' The breath puff isn't just for starting cars. While driving, the driver must periodically blow into the system to keep the car running."
The researchers acknowledge that the current technology is not reliable or durable enough to install in all cars. But the capabilities to determine who is taking the test and to require periodic retesting while driving would presumably be carried over into the newer systems.
Aside for the Big Brother and Prohibition aspects, there appears to be (as with these remote/automated control systems) the risk that your car can automatically stop - regardless of road, weather or traffic conditions - if you don't have time or can't split your attention to take the test, or if there's a false positive, or if the equipment is faulty.
Streaky
Among other things, the article notes that to start a car with the interlocks currently used, ``the driver must puff a breath into the unit. To avoid cheating, the breath puff is measured and must be given in a uniquely identifiable way that would be hard for a person who is not the driver to duplicate.'' The breath puff isn't just for starting cars. While driving, the driver must periodically blow into the system to keep the car running."
The researchers acknowledge that the current technology is not reliable or durable enough to install in all cars. But the capabilities to determine who is taking the test and to require periodic retesting while driving would presumably be carried over into the newer systems.
Aside for the Big Brother and Prohibition aspects, there appears to be (as with these remote/automated control systems) the risk that your car can automatically stop - regardless of road, weather or traffic conditions - if you don't have time or can't split your attention to take the test, or if there's a false positive, or if the equipment is faulty.
Streaky
Einion Yrth said:
Ah, another 'solution' that's potentially more dangerous than the problem it purports to address; excellent.
Exactly. Another load of technologically based intrusive crap.Note which manufacturers are shaping up to foist these developments on us, and buy your new car - if you really must have a new car - from somebody else.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
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