Starting in 2026, automakers will have to install technology that detects and prevents drunk drivers from operating their vehicles. Under the new law, the car must “passively monitor the performance of a driver of a motor vehicle to accurately identify whether that driver may be impaired.” Over the next few years, the Transportation Department will assess and choose the technological solution(s).
That technology could be in-car cameras that monitor driver attentiveness. Alternatively, it could be built-in sensors that measure alcohol levels such as an “interlock” device. Under current New York law, anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated must install such an “interlock” device for, at least, 6 months. This device is a breathalyzer that works in sync with your ignition. Blow too much and the car will not start or continue to operate. How such devices could be used in the new law’s mandated “passive” manner is yet to be determined.
The law likely could faces privacy challenges but it is certainly a courageous and impressive attack on a long-standing problem in this county. We applaud the long overdue effort. “It’s monumental,” said Alex Otte, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Otte described the new law as the “single most important legislation” in MADDs’s history that marks “the beginning of the end of drunk driving.”
 Law To End Drunk Driving){kind=link}
2 Comments. Leave new
While this is different because someone else could get harmed, it’s kind of like the legislation passed back in the 80’s that required a lawnmower to have a blade stop device. It wasn’t fair to me that I had to pay for such a device when I’m not stupid enough to stick my body parts where they don’t belong. It’ll be interesting (frustrating?) to see where this ends up.
Paul Decker,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As a related updated, Utah just lowered the DWI standards to .05 or higher, the lowest in the country. This change has, so far, reduced DWIs incidents.
Matthew Weiss