Nissan Develops Preventive Drink-Driving Technology
Nissan Starts Preventive-Drinking-Technology Tests
Today Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will, in cooperation with authorities in Japan, begin testing a new technology aimed at preventing drunk-driving.
The technology builds on an on-board breathalyser system that disables the ignition, when a high level of alcohol is found in the driver's breath. The tests will examine the alcohol-detection reliability and the functionality and practicality of the breathalyser in standard daily-operating vehicles.
Nissan has stated that it "will use these test results to further its research and development in preventive drink-driving technology" but whether on-board breathalysers will be standard equipment in future cars, remains to be seen. In June, Nissan also stated that it will incorporate a "message alert against drunk-driving into its CARWINGS navigation systems." Amongst Saab and Volvo breathalyzer devices also being developed, Nissan is the self proclaimed leader in the campaign against drunk-driving. The question is whether many other manufacturers will jump on the PR bandwagon or truly develop a device that has little or no realistic applications?
For more information, see the press release after the jump.
Source: Nissan
Press Release (Click to expand)
NISSAN BEGINS TESTS ON PREVENTIVE DRINK-DRIVING TECHNOLOGY
- On-board breathalyser system to immobilize vehicle –
TOKYO (July 23, 2007) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will begin testing of a new technology to prevent drink-driving in cooperation with local prefectural authorities in Japan.
Nissan is actively engaged in developing a wide range of technologies to improve road safety through the prevention of drink-driving. In June, Nissan introduced a new message alert against drink-driving through its CARWINGS navigation system.
Nissan will test a new on-board breathalyser system that can detect the alcohol level on a driver’s breath. If the system detects the presence of alcohol above the specified level, the ignition will be disabled through an “interlock� mechanism.
The tests will be conducted in partnership with Kitakyushu city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Tochigi Prefectural Government and Kaminokawa town, as well as Atsugi city in Kanagawa Prefecture.
The system is installed on daily-operating vehicles where the drivers will monitor various factors such as functionality and alcohol-detection reliability. Nissan will use these test results to further its research and development in preventive drink-driving technology.
Comments
500lbman
July 24, 2007 7:19 PM
Uh... correct me if I'm wrong... but haven't these breathalysers been used for a long time as punishment for drunk driving offenders in the US??? I don't think Nissan developed much of anything here. My buddy has one on his car gith now because he was busted driving drunk.
Thanks a lot for the NON_STORY
skychao
November 8, 2007 2:56 AM
uhh you are wrong cause in the us, the police use the breathalysers on people they think are driving drunk. Nissan is talking about installing it as a part of the car. So if ur over the limit it doesnt start. This prevents accidents. In the US they only stop a portion of the accidents and then fine the guys heavily if they are caught
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