In-vehicle technology to prevent drunk driving: Public acceptance required for successful deployment

Drinking and driving contributes to between one-quarter and one-third of motor vehicle fatalities worldwide, resulting in an estimated 273,000 deaths annually (ITF, 2017). Over the years, multiple, mostly non–vehicle–based, countermeasures have been implemented to reduce deaths from drinking and driving. Despite their implementation and success, drunk driving continues on an unacceptable scale. In-vehicle technology like the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), which can prevent alcohol-impaired driving at the source, can be an important part of a safe system approach. In 2020, an online survey was conducted in the US, with 1001 subjects, about public acceptance of the development and deployment of in-vehicle technology. The results showed a positive acceptance of passive touch systems and breath systems. Limitations of this study and future challenges will be discussed.

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