Strategies for accelerating the implementation of non-intrusive alcohol detection systems in the vehicle fleet

Abstract

Introduction

Crashes involving drinking drivers represent as much as one-third of all fatal crashes around the world. Progress has been made in reducing this toll through a series of interventions that attempt to discourage driving while intoxicated (DWI) and reoffending among drivers who have been convicted of DWI. However, these approaches cannot eliminate the problem. In-vehicle technologies are being developed, such as the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety—commonly referred to as DADSS—that have the potential to prevent alcohol-impaired drivers from driving their vehicles. DADSS in-vehicle sensors are designed to quickly detect whether drivers have been drinking and accurately and precisely measure blood or breath alcohol concentration. If the driver’s alcohol concentration measures at or above a set limit, the vehicle will be prevented from moving.

Method

The DADSS technology is expected to be ready for real-world applications in the next few years. The implementation of this technology in vehicles promises to prevent thousands of deaths and injuries every year. This paper investigates approaches that have been used in various countries to accelerate the deployment of innovative vehicle safety technologies beginning with its initial implementation in vehicles through to its more widespread use.

Results

Various approaches were identified that can smooth and accelerate the deployment of in-vehicle alcohol detection devices. Recommendations are made regarding the most promising approaches to use initially and over time, as the body of evidence regarding their effectiveness grows.

Conclusions

This paper provides guidelines for how best to stimulate the widespread adoption of in-vehicle alcohol-detection technology as a preventive measure so that its life-saving potential can be realized both in the United States and in other countries that may be open to the implementation of DADSS.

Keywords:

• Alcohol-impaired driving
• vehicle safety technology

Acknowledgments

This paper is based on Natalie Draisin’s Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health graduate thesis, which was awarded the John Stapp Prize in Transportation Policy. We thank Shannon Frattaroli (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) and Mahendra Naidoo (National Cancer Institute) for significant contributions to the original thesis. This work was supported by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), Sterling, Virginia, which is a nonprofit safety organization funded by motor vehicle manufacturers who make up its membership.