Two US Senators Push for New Car Tech to Prevent Drunk Driving
Some states like Maryland have recently started researching built-in vehicle tech that could help prevent drunk driving. Now, two U.S. Senators are lobbying for this same tech at the federal level.
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Proposing a new bill
The legislation is called the RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone) Act. It would require all new vehicles in America to include built-in technology that would detect the driver’s blood-alcohol level. If the system sensed that the driver was drunk, it would automatically prevent the engine to start, which would nip drunk-driving scenarios in the bud.
The bill would also establish a $10 million-dollar pilot program for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and automakers to develop and start using the new tech by 2024.
Current sponsors and supporters
Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott and New Mexico Democratic Senator Tom Udall are the two primary sponsors of the legislation. As Scott articulated, “Drunk driving is the number one cause of death on America’s roadways. Deaths that are 100 percent preventable.”
The RIDE Act has also drawn support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, and the National Safety Council. Joan Claybrook, former administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also backs the bill. She claims that the new technology could save the U.S. $200 billion annually. “Imagine what we could do with […] that money — to advance our society rather than pick up the pieces.”
Concluding thoughts
The RIDE Act is likely the country’s desire to follow in the footsteps of Europe, with regards to stricter drunk-driving enforcement and vehicle tech. Last year, the UK tested cars with breathalyzer systems. And earlier this year, the European Union approved legislation requiring new vehicles built after May 2022 to have built-in breathalyzers (as well as speed limiters).
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News Sources: whotv.com, RIDE Act
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