Technology is always advancing. That truth is no different in the field of DUI defense. As has been the case since cars and alcohol/ drugs collided, technology to reduce drunken driving continues to evolve. What sometimes slows the progress down, however, is all the bureaucratic ‘red tape’.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, earlier this month the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety announced that its breath analyzing interlock will be available to consumers in 2024, and will be commercially available by the end of this year.
Just what is a breath analyzing interlock? It is anti-DUI technology to prevent drunk driving. The key is that it is a ‘passive’ Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety – ‘DADSS’. Unlike DADSS, the current driver-assist technology can only infer that a person is impaired. DADSS makes reliable and accurate readings of a driver before she actually gets on the road. Unlike existing interlock devices, DADSS technology is intended to become part of the standard equipment in all automobiles. It will require no effort from the driver to take a reading; the device will analyze the driver’s ambient breath. There is also work being done on a touch-based sensor similar to thermometers and blood-oxygen gauges applied to a driver’s fingertip to determine impairment.
For years Mother’s Against Drunk Driving have vigorously pressed the auto industry to use driver monitoring cameras, and driver assist lane controls/sensors to reduce drunk driving. Legislation such as the Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone Act would require the NHTSA to formulate rules and standards for the implementation of anti-DUI technology. The concern from the auto industry is that the technology still has too many ‘bugs’ and is simply too unreliable, and thus dangerous. In short, more testing needs to take place. One thing is for sure, DUI impairment technology continues to advance – like all technology.
Anyone cited for DUI is best advised to immediately seek the assistance of a reputable and highly qualified Seattle DUI lawyer. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI lawyer, among other things, can quite possibly save him thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, the extent of loss of his driving privileges, and the amount of time to be served in jail. We have said it before and will say it again, Washington DUI laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Anyone arrested for DUI (this driver included) should be smart and consult with a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or drug related DUI in Washington State. SQ Attorneys is here to help – (206) 441-1600.
