In the year 2013 in Texas, there were more fatalities caused by drunk drivers than there were in any other state in the nation. And while nationally drunk driving is on the decline, alcohol-related crashes accounted for more than 15,000 injuries in Texas in 2013 alone. To remedy the problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created a car that requires a driver to be sober before it will start.
Old Technology Put to New Use
Interlock ignition devices have been around for years. The devices, which require drivers to blow into a tube prior to starting, are a great way to prevent drunk individuals from operating a motor vehicle. As such, the technology for detecting alcohol in a driver’s blood stream is nothing new. What is new, though, is the creation of sensors that can detect alcohol in a driver’s blood streams sans blowing into a tube. In fact, the vehicles outfitted with what the NHTSA is calling the, “Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety,” or “DADSS,” uses highly sensitive sensors that can find alcohol in breath or sweat. If the system detects a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to be above .08 percent—the legal limit—the car won’t start.
Technology Optional for Now – No Telling What the Future Will Hold
For a legal consultation, call 713-225-1900
As of right now, the technology isn’t available to the public at large. However, it’s likely that many people will want the technology, and request it voluntarily. This is especially true for parents of teenagers. It is unknown as to whether or not the technology will one day be mandatory in all vehicles. Currently, that seems unlikely. However, there’s no doubt that if the technology were required in all cars manufactured and sold in the U.S., the rate of drunk driving would not only decrease, but could be potentially eliminated altogether.
When Drunk Driving Leads to Arrest
Drunk driving is a very serious offense. And if you’ve been convicted of a DWI (driving while impaired) in Texas, you may face jail time, fines, community service, license revocation, an interlock ignition device, and more. The fines and punishment for DWI in Texas are becoming increasingly severe. While no one likes to think about criminal penalties, the truth is, if you’ve been arrested for drinking and driving, criminal charges are likely. As such, it’s important that you hire a DWI attorney to represent you immediately.
Our team at Jay Cohen Attorney at Law want to represent you if you’ve been charged with a DWI. To learn more about our services and how we can help you, call us at (713) 225-1900
Related DWI Resources:
- Councilmen Pushes to Allow Drinking and Driving
- New Lower Blood Alcohol Law in Utah
- Reasons Not to Ride in a Car Driven by a Drunk Person
Call or text 713-225-1900 or complete a Case Evaluation form
