The DADSS Program was pleased to exhibit at the Governors’ Highway Safety Administration’s Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, from September 16 to 20. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, GHSA’s 2017 Annual meeting drew more than 600 state members and safety professionals to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities. Alongside video content and previous versions of the technology, the DADSS Program showcased a vehicle outfitted with the latest breath sensors for field operational tests. The DADSS team also introduced visitors to Driven to Protect and the work underway in Virginia.

This past week, the U.S. Department of Transportation released the most recent Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data showing an increase in alcohol-related traffic fatalities of 1.7 percent—from 10,320 in 2015 to 10,497—accounting for 28 percent of overall fatalities in 2016. DADSS Program & Technical Manager Dr. Bud Zaouk responded to the news by saying that “with alcohol-related fatalities on the rise, we are laser focused on making sure this life-saving technology becomes a reality. Reversing the deadly trend is exactly what motivates engineers and researchers to successfully complete this program in the coming years.”

The DADSS Program was at the 2017 Federated Auto Parts 400 and at the 2017 Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Races on September 8 and 9, where they debuted the new partnership with Virginia, “Driven to Protect.”

Technological innovations have brought us smarter and safer cars. Despite these advancements, one of the greatest threats on our roadways remains—drunk driving.

In early June, the DADSS Research Program participated in the 25th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) in Detroit, MI.