How Technology Can Help Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving remains a significant issue across the United States. In fact, drunk driving crashes cause more than 10,000 deaths every year—30% of all traffic fatalities. However, there is technology that may help prevent drunk driving accidents. Over the years, cars have become more innovative, and phones make it easier to call for rides. Police vehicles also have better equipment that may make it easier to detect a drunk driver.

While technology may prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel, accidents can still happen. If you were in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in Texas, contact the car accident attorneys at Sutliff & Stout. Our accident lawyers launch a thorough investigation into the accident and look for evidence that might help prove liability.

Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety

QinetiQ North America recently produced the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). It is a $10 million initiative aimed to make roads safer all over the world. The company even went on record to state that the system may prevent up to 7,000 drunk driving fatalities each year. DADSS is an on-board system that can detect alcohol on a person’s breath before the driver can turn on the vehicle. The system is much like an interlocking ignition device (IID) that courts order drunk drivers to install in their vehicles.

However, DADSS goes one step further than a traditional IID. If the breathalyzer detects alcohol on the person’s breath, they must complete a two-step sobriety test. The first is a breathalyzer secured to the steering wheel, while the other is an ignition button that uses infrared light to detect the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The device also has a sensor to determine if someone from the passenger’s seat is starting the car.

Smartphone Apps That Aim to Reduce Drunk Drivers

Smartphones rule our lives, and app manufacturers know that. That is why many design apps that might prevent a drunk driver from getting behind the wheel. Some apps include:

• Alcohoot: This app turns your smartphone into a breathalyzer. While drunk drivers can still start their vehicle if their BAC is above the legal limit, hopefully they recognize the potential dangers of operating a vehicle while drunk.
• DrinkControl: The app allows users to track the number of drinks they consumed. It then gives them an estimate of their BAC levels. While this app may not be 100% accurate, it is still a good way to determine if the driver can safely operate a vehicle.
• Endui: Endui is an all-inclusive app with a blood alcohol calculator, taxi numbers, and contact lists for drivers to use. Additionally, the app includes reflex games to determine whether a person is safe enough to drive.

In addition to these apps that manufacturers designed to prevent drunk drivers, hundreds of other apps reward safe driving. Apps such as LifeSaver, Drive Safe.ly, and iOnRoad all reward drivers for practicing safe driving habits like following speed limits and not using their cell phones.

Ridesharing Apps to Prevent Drunk Driving

Ridesharing services have been around since the introduction of Uber in 2009. Not only do they offer more affordable ways to get around, but they prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. Uber and Lyft even offer free rides on major holidays that are more likely to see drunk driving accidents, such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. A similar app, Street Clear, offers a ride for impaired people and gets their car home safely.

Here at Sutliff & Stout Law Firm, we offer our No DWI Free Holiday Rides Rideshare program in order to prevent drinking and driving accidents. This allows motorists to hang up their keys in exchange for an Uber or Lyft ride offered by Sutliff & Stout. For more information, click here.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Houston Today

Being in a car accident is already an overwhelming and frightening experience, but it can be even more stressful if a drunk driver caused the crash. When this happens, contact the Houston car accident lawyers at Sutliff & Stout.

We are a group of passionate and fierce legal professionals who will do everything possible to hold the negligent party responsible. To schedule a free consultation, call (713) 987-7111 or complete our contact form.

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Sutliff & Stout

Graham E. Sutliff, a Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney, grew up in San Angelo, Texas in a family of six. From an early age, in this close-knit West Texas town, he learned the value of hard work, determination and fighting for what is right.

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