Volvo’s on-board breathalyzer to enter production

[PanterroR]

First Volvo unveiled a new driver-distraction warning system, now the company is presenting a fully integrated in-car alcolock system called Alcoguard. Scheduled to be introduced as an option for the XC60 to begin with, and then the S80, V70 and XC70 models early next year, the new system will require drivers to blow into a wireless hand-held unit that analyzes their breath in order to start the car. If the driver’s blood-alcohol limit exceeds a predetermined level the engine simply won’t start.

It’s expected Volvo will charge around $1000 for the option.
According to Volvo, one in three fatalities in Europe is alcohol related and around 3,000 people in the UK alone are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions. The new Alcoguard system employs the same fuel-cell technology used by the majority of police forces in Europe. Thanks to advanced sensors, it isn’t possible to use external air sources such as a pump to cheat the system but it can’t prevent people other than the driver starting up the car.

Both Toyota and Nissan are developing their own on-board breathalyzers, but it appears Volvo will be the first mainstream carmaker to market the product.


Source: Motor Authority >> Volvo’s on-board breathalyzer to enter production

[Tarek]

That is gonna be annoying

[PanterroR]

Lol, true.

[Choleric]

Originally Posted by atuv

That is gonna be annoying

going to be safe.

[warot]

Here in the US, if you commit numerous DUI, they make you install one of these on your car and you have to blow in it to start your car. However, I've heard that some drivers just get their friends to blow for them

[Zonda]

As warot implied, this system is far from bulletproof, plus annoying.

A sensor... sort of thing on the left side of the steering wheel where you hold your thumb that could analyse from the skin if you've drunk or not would be more convenient. You don't have to do a thing, you're constantly monitored and it's alot harder to to get a friend to steer for you.
Problem is though, such technology doesn't exist.

[Choleric]

If any friend thats in the car is sober enough to do it for the driver and actually does it, they are A) A waste of life B) Deserve to die when they crash.