Every year, thousands of people in Florida and across the country are severely injured in car accidents caused by drunk drivers. In fact, drunk driving has been one of the leading causes of injury crashes for over 100 years. With the wide range of advances in driving technology, however, it may be possible to stop drunk drivers and seriously cut down on the number of catastrophic crashes. One automaker is installing technology that aims to eliminate drunk driving without relying on breath test technology.
Volvo announced that it will begin producing vehicles in the coming five years that can detect drunk drivers before a potential crash. These cars will be equipped with a range of cameras and other automated technologies that aim to increase roadway safety and prevent motor vehicle accidents. Volvo is among several companies that are planning to introduce camera systems to monitor driver behavior, but it is the primary automaker that has indicated a focus on impaired driving specifically. In addition to cameras looking for signs of drooping eyelids and an inability to pay attention to the road, sensors will detect a lack of input at the steering wheel, intense veering from lane to lane or extremely delayed reaction times.
Once an unsafe driver has been detected, the car can take action, alerting the driver repeatedly to the dangerous situation and demanding that they pull over. If the driver does not respond, autonomous technologies already have the capability to pull the vehicle to the side of the road, slow down and stop a vehicle.
While autonomous technologies offer the potential for great advancements in highway safety, many people continue to suffer from injuries caused by drunk or otherwise negligent drivers. People injured in a drunk driving accident may consult with a personal injury attorney about their options to pursue compensation.
