logo

Call Now:

(312) 609-0400

24/7
Call Us for Free Consultation

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

Search
Close this search box.

Will technology lower drunk driving accidents?

Car smashed due to drunk driving accident

or fill out the Contact Form

Drunk drivers have been causing devastating accidents since the invention of the motor vehicle. In 1990, over half of all traffic fatalities were caused or contributed to by alcohol. While that rate has significantly decreased over the years, a third of all traffic deaths are still caused by those who choose to drink and drive. A drunk driving accidents in Illinois lawyer knows that more needs to be done to quickly and effectively decrease these fatality rates. Recent alcohol detecting technology currently under development may be the solution that thousands of victims of drunk driving accidents have hoped to see for many years.

Car smashed due to drunk driving accident

Technology details

Researchers at a Boston corporation have been working on detection technologies that could prevent motorists from being able to start their vehicles if they are inebriated. Using funding from the federal government and the nation’s 16 major auto makers, the research firm is developing the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or the DADSS project.

The project is focusing on two potentially life-changing technologies. One, which is breath-based, uses a sensor that is mounted near the steering wheel that has the ability to quickly and accurately assess whether or not a driver is above or below the legal limit of 0.08. If a motorist is above the limit, the device prevents the driver from starting the vehicle.

The other technology that the team is developing is similar to the first but is touch-based. Motorists would simply touch a start button that would determine the driver’s blood alcohol content level using an infrared light. Sensors would also be in place to prevent anyone other than the driver from using the button to start the vehicle.

Potential impact

Neither technologies would be bothersome or inconvenient for drivers. For this reason, researchers believe that many people will opt to have these features included in their new-vehicle purchases to prevent their involvement in a DUI-related collision.

Alcohol-related fatalities caused 10,076 deaths in the U.S. in 2013. This represents 30.7 percent of all traffic deaths. An additional 290,000 people sustained an injury in DUI accidents that year. Three hundred and twenty-two of these fatalities occurred in Illinois alone, a statistic which would not surprise a drunk driving accidents in Illinois lawyer. The lead researcher on the project estimates that 7,000 of the yearly 10,000 alcohol-related deaths seen across the nation could be prevented if this technology was properly implemented.

Those who have lost loved ones or been injured due to the negligent acts of a drunk driver should contact a drunk driving accidents in Illinois lawyer for assistance with their claim. With an attorney’s help, accident victims may be able to receive the damages that they need to rebuild their lives.

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

Related Articles

Big rig t-boned the other vehicle. Truck accident lawsuit
Motor Vehicle Accident

How the Black Box Can Help Your Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois

Understanding how the black box can help your truck accident lawsuit in Illinois can improve your odds of recovering full compensation for your injuries or losses. A black box is an electronic onboard recording tool that monitors the trucker’s driving time. The box can offer information on the truck’s operation before, during, and after an accident.

Young man in suit in his office showing an insurance policy and pointing with a pen where the policy holder must to sign. Lowball insurance settlement offer
Motor Vehicle Accident

Reasons for a Lowball Insurance Settlement Offer

An insurance company in Chicago, Illinois, may propose a lowball insurance settlement offer to maximize profits and avoid a lawsuit. The company may make a low settlement offer because it used software to generate it, or believes you are likely to take the offer. An insurer may also offer a lowball settlement if it thinks you will not retain a lawyer.

3d Illustration of men Feeling the Neck Pain. average payout for nerve damage car accident
Motor Vehicle Accident

What Is the Average Payout for Nerve Damage After a Car Accident?

The average payout for nerve damage after a car accident can vary. Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you receive will depend on the factors related to your situation. This includes the severity of your injuries, how they impact your daily life, and the losses you experience as a result of your damages.

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos