Automakers Rush to Add Alcohol Detectors in Cars

New Vehicle Tech by 2026: Life-Saving Possibilities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records show that alcohol remains a leading cause of car accidents nationwide. To tackle the issue, the US authorities have taken steps to implement measures designed to lessen its impact. As part of this effort, advanced detection systems are being fitted on newly-sold vehicles in America, which would prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol.

Presently, such a technology has not been developed – not even in high-tech vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This requirement – which is part of the bipartisan bill known as the Investment Infrastructure and Jobs Act – has encouraged automotive parts suppliers to get to work, with one Japanese company proclaiming that they have the advantage in this field.

Asahi Kasei, the Japanese firm who specializes in electronics and chemicals, revealed to Automotive News that they have been working on gas and alcohol sensors (date back to) past nearly 30 years for a range of applications.

Parts suppliers are feeling the pressure, with a real possibility that the feature may be implemented as soon as 2026. Mike Franchy, from the company, commented on the situation: “To be honest, I think it took everybody by surprise, not only in our company but at all the OEMs and Tier 1 [suppliers], that this legislation appeared.”

“It’s an idea that has been suggested in the past. However, everyone assumed that Europe would be the first to make it mandatory. In actuality, it became a reality here in the United States due to the tireless efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving to collaborate with the auto industry,” he continued.

Presaging that Europe would be the first to implement these regulations, the corporation invested in a Swedish technologic corporation referred to as Senseair a few years ago. This subsidiary gained by the buyout has been appointed to create a sensing device that can be seamlessly included without necessitating fresh equipment.

Thus, how would it operate? We all want to know. To put it simply, one just needs to comprehend the process. This includes understanding the various steps that must be taken and identifying what is necessary in order to make everything work smoothly. Once all of the components have been identified, it’s simply a matter of putting them into action and having the right conditions for success. As long as everything lines up, the process can be completed successfully.

A detector, situated either in the door trimming or steering wheel, could examine whether a driver was suitable to proceed or not after they breathed out against it. The vehicle would offer a decision and, depending upon whether or not it was accepted, enable the motorist to proceed or not.

An algorithmic process will be able to detect the presence of ethanol in a driver’s breath, weighed alongside carbon dioxide. An apparatus then evaluates how much infrared light, characterized by a particular wavelength, is absorbed by the atmosphere in the area. This assessment allows the device to compute the amount of ethyl alcohol present.

Despite the fact Asahi Kasei will not serve as a 1st tier provider for global car manufactures, its technology could still reach cars by means of other parts, possibly generated by typical vehicle parts suppliers.

As the car becomes increasingly advanced, there is an opening for businesses to take part and use their own expertize – from electronics to medicine – to apply it in state-of-the-art cars.

said the CEO of Asahi Kasei.Asahi Kasei is one of many companies that are aiming to have a greater presence in the American automotive industry. According to the CEO of Asahi Kasei, “There are new product opportunities and new customer relations that are possible in the United States right now. The US is primed for growth.” As such, Asahi Kasei is looking to take advantage of these opportunities and become an active participant in the American automotive industry.

Despite the apparent risks, many drivers still elect to drive while intoxicated. According to the NHTSA, a startling statistic shows that approximately 32 people die in America everyday due to alcohol-related accidents. This figure amounts to one death every 45 minutes, a harrowing reality.

It is to be hoped that this innovation eventually becomes a reality, as it possesses the aptitude to redeem innumerable lives around the globe.