Although lawmakers in Minnesota want to find ways to prevent people from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, there are many who agree that the current technology could be better. According to Laser Focus World, scientists are turning their focus to touch-based laser technology that may be used alongside or even instead of breath-based alcohol detection system.
The capillaries near the surface of a person’s skin provide the information that will be read by the laser in order to determine blood alcohol concentration. To test the efficacy of the system during the early stages of its development, researchers are using a simulated finger made up of eight different compounds. Later testing stages will include actual humans, and will involve a wide variety of circumstances to ensure accuracy.
This technology will eventually be available as a safety option for new vehicles as a part of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety program. Responsibility.org points out that over a million instances of false BAC readings will occur each year if the DADSS technology is 99.99 percent accurate. That means people who have not had a drink will find themselves in a vehicle that will not start. The potential for so many malfunctions underlines the seriousness of creating perfect technology.
Those who are supporting the DADSS program are concerned about these statistics. They agree that the system must be able to work regardless of the temperature, and should not be susceptible to tampering. The system also should not be disruptive to the driver. Consumers should have the option to purchase a vehicle without the technology, if they wish.
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