New Technology to Prevent Drunk Driving

Waterloo area startup ‘Sober Steering’ may have just developed a new piece of technology to safeguard against drunk driving. Unlike current devices like the ignition interlock, which use breathalyzers, this device can detect high levels of alcohol in an individual’s blood—just by touching their skin!

Drivers using a vehicle outfitted with the new device are required to place their hand on a sensor built into the steering wheel, before they can start their vehicle. The device will then continue to “check in” with the driver while they’re driving, sending information back to the authorities.

Currently, the device is being tested on several school buses in the Waterloo region. Sober Steering founder Catherine Carroll hopes the new technology with create a less obtrusive option for monitoring drunk driving, while providing the same level of security for the public.

The success of the device will undoubtedly have an effect on auto insurance for drivers requiring such a monitoring system. It may be several years before the device hits the market, as kinks are still being worked out, but it seems likely the technology will quickly catch on!

Read the full article here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/waterloo-ont-startup-sober-steering-aims-to-sniff-out-drunk-driving-1.3345198