A generation ago, it sounded absurd that inflatable bags of air would help protect people in a car crash; now, every new car has them. Today’s cars can parallel park themselves and have anti-theft sensors that can shut down the engine. Tomorrow’s cars will protect families from drunk driving by automatically determining whether the driver is above the legal BAC limit and failing to start if the driver is impaired. As part of the DADSS program, there are two technologies being studied. One is a touch-based system that can read blood alcohol concentration through the driver’s fingertips, and the other is an air-sampling system that can isolate and test just the air exhaled by the driver. Both systems are well on their way to being tested in real vehicles. Additionally, Autonomous Vehicles are being developed with the goal to — one day —handle the whole task of driving when the driver does not want to or cannot do it themselves. Fully automated cars and trucks that drive us, instead of us driving them, will hopefully become a reality in the future. 4. Public Support The public can take personal responsibility for keeping shared roadways safe by planning ahead if the night includes alcohol. Thanks to non-drinking designated drivers, taxis, public transportation and ride-sharing companies, there is no excuse to drive drunk. Taking personal responsibility also extends to wearing a seatbelt at all times, which is the best defense against a drunk driver.
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