Should New Cars Come With Technology To Prevent Drunk Driving Crashes?

Drunk driver behind the wheel with a blurry image of the road in front of him

Getting hit by a drunk driver can result in severe and fatal injuries.

Driving under the influence of alcohol endangers the lives of everyone on the road, but despite that fact, fatalities involving drunk drivers remain high. In 2020, over 11,650 people died in drunk driving accidents.

To help combat the problem, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has developed a new idea to move the country closer to zero traffic deaths.

The NTSB recommends all new vehicles have alcohol monitoring systems that can stop someone from driving under the influence. We may not be able to prevent people from drinking and driving, but soon maybe our cars can.

NTSB recommendations for new cars.

So far, safety campaigns and targeted law enforcement efforts have been popular strategies to stop the nation's drunk driving problem, but it may be time to add a new approach.

AAA newsroom is all in favor of turning the attention to the vehicles. Now, the NTSB is looking to make the "car the cure" for driving under the influence. The new vehicle recommendations include:

A required alcohol impairment detection system, an advanced driver monitoring system, or a combination of the two systems. These systems would have the capabilities to prevent or limit vehicle operations if it detects the driver is impaired.
Speeding is a driving behavior that many drunk drivers participate in. Therefore, vehicle manufacturers and consumers must include speed adaptation systems to prevent speed-related crashes.

The NTSB isn't the only group with new ideas. In addition to new tech, a stricter push for Emma's Law could also aid in the fight to end alcohol-impaired deaths.

Currently, the law only requires the ignition interlock systems to be installed for repeat DUI offenders and those with a higher BAC than .15. A new law would require all persons convicted of a DUI to have an ignition interlock device installed.

Drunk driving crashes are on the rise.

In the past decade, more than 230,000 people have died in drunk driving accidents. New data published by WLTX 19 shows that South Carolina is now ranked 10th as the state with the most drunk driving deaths.

The numbers are increasing every year. From 2019 to 2020, vehicle miles traveled decreased by 11 percent amid the pandemic, yet alcohol-related deaths rose by 14 percent.

This past August, a 55-year-old woman was killed after a drunk driver ran a red light. At the scene, the 28-year-old driver had smelled strongly of alcohol and was slurring his words, according to the North Charleston Police Department.

The state reported he was arrested for driving under the influence and video surveillance shows he was recklessly driving prior to the accident.

Hit by a drunk driver in the Lowcountry? Here's how an attorney can help.

Getting hit by a drunk driver can leave you injured and in pain due to another person's negligence. You could be unable to work or mourning the loss of a loved one. You deserve compensation for your losses, and the drunk driving accident lawyers at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm can help.

We have the experience and a reputation for getting our clients the compensation they need and deserve. Let us protect your rights. Discover what we can do for you, and contact us today for a free case evaluation.