Emerging technology is one of the most promising and potentially effective approaches to eliminating drunk driving in the U.S.  Another key component of the Campaign involves the development of new technology through a non-regulatory, voluntary and data-driven effort that allows a vehicle to recognize if a driver is drunk, and to stop the driver from operating that vehicle. And the public is overwhelmingly supportive of this effort: by a 4 to 1 margin (58 percent to 16 percent), Americans support advances in smart vehicle technology to prevent drivers from driving drunk.

MADD, along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the auto industry and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, formed a cooperative research initiative through the Blue Ribbon Panel on Advanced Alcohol Detection Technology.

The panel will explore a wide range of technologies and develop clear parameters for technology development. We believe at least four classes of technology warrant further investigation: advanced breath testing, both individual testing and testing for alcohol in the vehicle; using visible light to measure BAC through spectroscopy; using non-invasive touch-based systems to measure BAC transdermally; and eye-movement measurement technology, including involuntary eye movements related to BAC and eye closure that can indicate drowsiness.

The technologies eventually implemented must be unobtrusive to the sober driver, absolutely reliable, accurate and cost effective. MADD will be an active participant on this panel but will not endorse any resulting products. We have no interest in which technology or which company’s technology is best, only in creating a world without drunk driving by the best possible means.