The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues its effort to require new vehicles to feature anti-drunk driving technology. The federal agency published its preliminary report on such a mandate this week, laying out the challenges facing its implementation. NHTSA is also asking for the public to provide feedback on the issue because it\u2019s still an open question about how new vehicles will monitor for impaired drivers.<\/p>\n
The agency is curious to learn if the public will accept the potential for false positives that could prevent sober drivers from operating a vehicle. Even if the system is 99.9 percent accurate, that could still amount to a million false positives a day, which will be hard for the public to swallow.<\/p>\n
It also wants to know how the government should educate the public about privacy concerns with the technology. More sensors mean more data collection and protecting that information will likely be vital to gaining consumer acceptance.<\/p>\n
The report also raises concerns that Level 2 driver-assistance features could mask common drunk-driving behaviors, like swerving or holding an inconsistent speed. NHTSA is also concerned that the system\u2019s sensors might not be able to operate in all conditions, like heavy weather, poor road markings, or other inconveniences.<\/p>\n
The European Union attempted to mandate a similar interlock device on new vehicles that was supposed to go into effect in 2022. However, the bloc watered down the provisions, no longer requiring the system for all cars.<\/p>\n
This opportunity is one of the few chances the public has to influence future public policy. The road to a world where the car decides if you\u2019re fit to drive is still long, but it\u2019ll only become easier to implement such monitoring systems as technology advances.<\/p>\n