Subscribe now

Comment and Technology

We could soon make cars stop people driving while drunk or on drugs

We are on the cusp of cars that automatically stop people driving while intoxicated. Embracing the technology will save lives, says Amie Hayley

By Amie Hayley

2 September 2020

New Scientist Default Image

Michelle D'Urbano

THE message couldn’t be clearer: don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Yet people still put themselves and others in danger by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Despite decades of education programmes and law enforcement, road collisions attributable to intoxicated driving remain unacceptably high. We need a better approach and we are in the middle of a technological boom that may just deliver one.

Seat belts and airbags have dramatically reduced the number of lives lost on roads. However, they do little to prevent the cause of crashes. Someone dies every 25 seconds globally due to road…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account