Will cars of the future be equipped with devices to prevent drunk driving? What we know.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is preparing a potential standard for devices in new cars to prevent alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.

The agency is seeking public comment on “advanced drunk driving prevention technologies” that could be incorporated into new passenger vehicles. The 60-day comment period begins upon publication in the Federal Register of the Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking published by NHTSA on Tuesday.

NHTSA has forwarded the notice to the Federal Register for publication and it should be published in the coming days, USA TODAY reported.

As part of its mission to reduce car accidents and deaths, the agency could issue a motor vehicle safety standard requiring such devices in 2024.

Here’s everything we know about the possible solution and what it means for drivers.

How many fatalities and accidents are caused by drunk drivers?

According to the NHTSA, from 2012 to 2021, approximately 10,580 people died each year in drunk driving crashes. Approximately 31% of all U.S. traffic fatalities are drunk drivers – with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The agency reported that 13,384 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2021.

Are you buying a new car? Read our guide to the best new car warranties.

Why is NHTSA proposing a standard for anti-drunk driving devices in cars and trucks?

The $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill (officially titled the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021, includes a provision directing NHTSA to develop a new federal safety standard requiring ride detection capabilities under the influence of alcohol in upcoming passenger models.

As Congress was preparing the massive bill, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, R-Mich., and U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) proposed the measure. Luján had been hit by a drunk driver in the past; Dingell was motivated by the tragic death of a Michigan family who died in January 2019 when a drunk driver hit their car head-on.

The legislation requires NHTSA to issue a final rule no later than November 15, 2024. If the agency determines that it cannot develop an enforceable rule, it must prepare a report stating the reason.

What effects would a standard to prevent drinking and driving have?

This would require the use of technologies in vehicles that could prevent or limit driving if the presence of alcohol or functional impairment is detected. This impairment can be detected by measuring the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), or by tracking how the driver handles the vehicle, or a combination of both.

Any standard must also be “practical” in the sense that adding the technology is economically feasible and that consumers will accept the new measures.

The Infrastructure Act states that NHTSA “should issue a new regulation only if it meets the requirements of the National Highway Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which provides that the proposed standard must be reasonable, enforceable and, among other things, reduce the number of road and traffic-related accidents.” factors of death.”

What type of anti-drunk driving devices can be used in new cars and trucks?

NHTSA is focusing on “passive” driver alcohol detection technologies – currently under development – using sensors that measure alcohol content in a driver’s skin or breath. The steering wheel or ignition switch may be equipped with a touch panel that can use near-infrared light to detect alcohol in the body.

The breath sensor can measure the alcohol content in the driver’s exhaled air. This detection system is different from current breathalyzers, which are often required for DWI offenders after their driver’s license is reinstated. They must blow into a tube, and if their blood alcohol level is too high, the vehicle will be immobilized.

How soon could we see devices in vehicles to prevent drinking and driving?

The actual implementation of devices to prevent drinking and driving may take several years. Breath alcohol detection system prototype designs are expected to be completed in 2024, and touch sensor prototype designs are expected to be completed in 2025. NHTSA expects it could take at least 18 to 24 months for manufacturers to integrate the devices into vehicles.

Experts say automakers could begin implementing the technology in new vehicles in 2026 or 2027. “The current limitation of this option is that NHTSA is unaware of available passive and accurate… technology (detecting 0.08% BAC). for production vehicles, therefore the fleet implementation schedule may be a problem,” we read in the notice.

NHTSA is asking companies such as Toyota and Nissan that have reportedly been developing sensors to detect impaired drivers for comments and information on the current state of driving detection and interference technology.

Why do some people oppose technology to detect drunk driving?

In the notice, NHTSA said it was aware of two things that could discourage individuals from using the measure:

• Disinformation related to advanced technologies for driving under the influence of alcohol and under the influence of alcohol.

• The misconception that there is a right to drive under the influence of alcohol. This has led some people to believe that any rulemaking is a course of action that could unjustifiably infringe on their rights.

In its notice, NHTSA emphasized its position that “driving is a privilege, not a right.”

Contributors: Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press and The Associated Press

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

What is everyone talking about? Sign up for our trends newsletter to receive the latest news of the day

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New cars could come with technology to reduce drunk driving: What you need to know