U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal recently showcased anti-drunk driving technology in a pilot vehicle owned by the state Department of Transportation (DOT). The technology, developed by Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), involves a sensor that detects a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) by having them breathe into it while behind the wheel. If the BAC is above the legal limit of .08, the vehicle will not start, preventing impaired drivers from hitting the road and potentially causing harm to themselves and others.
Blumenthal’s demonstration comes in light of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act from November 2021, which includes a requirement for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a new rule within three years regarding the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) and the necessary technology to prevent drunk driving. The deadline for this new rule is approaching, and Blumenthal is urging for its prompt release to help combat drunk driving-related deaths.
According to data collected by the NHTSA between 2018 and 2022, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury are among the top 75 cities for drunk driving deaths. In Connecticut alone, there were 57 drunk driving-related deaths during that period, with 51 occurring in these three cities. Blumenthal emphasized the preventable nature of these deaths and the importance of implementing proven and affordable technology, such as the DADSS sensor, to save lives.
New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson echoed Blumenthal’s sentiments, highlighting the department’s efforts to combat drunk driving by increasing the motor vehicles unit’s size and conducting more vehicle stops. While New Haven has seen a downward trend in traffic deaths in recent years, Jacobson emphasized the tragic impact of drunk driving, sharing the personal loss of his son’s best friend in a drunk driving crash.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New England Region Executive Director Bob Garguilo praised the technology supported by Blumenthal and the DOT, emphasizing its life-saving potential and the importance of rejecting the notion that drinking and driving is acceptable. The collaboration between lawmakers, law enforcement, and advocacy groups underscores the collective effort to address the dangers of impaired driving and promote road safety.
In conclusion, the demonstration of anti-drunk driving technology in the pilot vehicle serves as a proactive step towards preventing tragedies on the road. By advocating for the testing and wider adoption of such technology, stakeholders aim to reduce the number of drunk driving-related deaths and create safer roadways for all. The ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration in this area reflects a shared dedication to saving lives and promoting responsible driving practices.