January 2, 2007 By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Filed at 11:02 p.m. ET TOKYO (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. is developing a fail-safe system for cars that detects drunken drivers and automatically shuts the vehicle down if sensors pick up signs of excessive alcohol consumption, a news report said Wednesday.
Warning: Off topic: The title of this thread made me think of the movie "Drunken Master" in which Jackie Chan fights best when drunk. I imagine Toyota inventing a car that drives itself in a drunken manner to avoid all the idiots on the road. Back on topic: What habitual drinker would buy a car that would not let him drive if he is drunk? And what happens if the car decides to stop in the middle of a busy intersection just as you're trying to make a quick left turn before that speeding 18-wheeler hits you?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Jan 3 2007, 11:43 AM) [snapback]370077[/snapback]</div> True, but if you've got teenagers driving the car, it might be handy. And the report did say it slows to a stop.
According to the article the Toyota system will take into account three tests, the Nissan system will use a breath analyzer system. They are both going to have their hands full as both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics will probably set off the interlock mechanism. Both companies will have to take that problem into account.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Jan 3 2007, 09:43 AM) [snapback]370077[/snapback]</div> Doesn't that counts as "survival of the fitest?" see... toyota is moving us forward... the better half h34r:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(V8Cobrakid @ Jan 13 2007, 11:20 AM) [snapback]375142[/snapback]</div> Unfortunately, drunk drivers often kill innocent people while they walk away with barely a scratch (if that).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stev0 @ Feb 18 2007, 05:31 PM) [snapback]392590[/snapback]</div> Maybe instead of a safety oriented air-bag popping out when they crash they will get a big metal spike to make sure they don't walk away? Ok that was evil but I just can't help but shake my head at the irony of a drunk walking away unharmed from a crash involving himself/herself and a now dead family of 3.
I always thought they should invent a POST (Power On Self Test) procedure that tests the drivers ability to handle the controls (no not the radio, but the essential ones: brakes, steering, and reaction time). There are many things besides alcohol that can impair someones ability to drive. ...rick...
