Many Americans die each year from drunk drivers. With how frequent these tragic accidents seem to occur, it looks like the government is attempting its own solution to the problem. In the new infrastructure bill that is making its way towards the President’s desk, Congress has created a new requirement for automakers to find a high-tech way to keep drunken people from driving cars. It is mandated in the new bill in order to help out the efforts towards auto safety. There will be monitoring systems in order to stop intoxicated drivers would roll out in all new vehicles as early as 2026. This is part of the effort to allocate $17 billion towards road safety programs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported an estimated 20,160 people died in traffic collisions in the first half of 2021, the highest first-half total since 2006. The agency has indicated several factors contributing to the death toll including speeding, impaired driving, and the lack of seatbelts worn. About 10,000 people die from alcohol-related accidents in the United States which account for about 30% of all traffic deaths. Right now there are breathalyzer devices for convicted drunk drivers in place that will prevent them from starting their car if they are too intoxicated. The legislations states that this technology must “passively monitor the performance of a driver of a motor vehicle to accurately identify whether that driver may be impaired.” It seems like the most likely system to prevent drunken driving is infrared cameras that monitor driver behavior. That technology is already being installed by automakers such as General Motors, BMW and Nissan to track driver attentiveness while using partially automated driver-assist systems. The cameras make sure that drivers are paying attention, and they look for signs of intoxication or impairment. If the car detects such driver, then they will warn them and eventually pull over the car to the side of the road.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a drunk driving accident or death, contact an experienced car accident attorney at Hurst Limontes, LLC. We have decades of combined experience fighting for our clients in any number of personal injury claims. Call 317-636-0808 or email us for a FREE and confidential consultation.