How technology has influenced the decrease in drunk driving arrests

Driving under the influence of alcohol has been identified as one of the leading causes of car accidents leading to physical injuries and, worse, death. In the United States alone, drunk driving claims almost ten thousand lives every year. Looking at the numbers, it is just frustrating to realize that there could be zero fatalities if those who were under the influence of alcohol did not insist to drive their cars until they are fully capable to do so.

Although the statistics can be very alarming, it is good to note that the numbers have already decreased by almost a third during the past three decades. This notable improvement can be largely attributed to the development of new technologies which help reduce the number of drunk driving arrests and accidents as well. Learn more about how different technologies has influenced the decrease in drunk driving arrests in recent years.

Ride Sharing Services

As soon as ride sharing services such as Lyft and Uber hit the mainstream, the number of arrests and accidents related to drunk driving has dropped down dramatically. These services can easily be accessed using a smartphone and is generally more convenient and affordable than riding a taxi. These services can be used at any time of the day as long as your current location and destination are both within the service area. You don’t actually have to book for yourself as your friends or family can do it for you. You can share the ride with your friends and arrive at your destination safely, thanks to the strict rules and regulations followed by the drivers registered under these ride sharing applications. Based on recent studies, ride sharing is help decrease drunk driving arrests by as much as five percent.

Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety

Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety or simple known as DADSS is an innovative technology that is the first of its kind. This alcohol detecting device can be installed to vehicles to prevent drunk drivers from starting and operating a car, and eventually getting arrested or getting involved in an accident. This cutting edge technology, when widely used in the country, can reduce the number of fatalities related to drunk driving by as much as seventy percent. In order to start a vehicle installed with DADSS, the driver must pass a two-step sobriety test. One is the breathalyzer sensor, mounted on the steering wheel, and the other is an infrared light on the ignition button which detects the amount of alcohol in the blood. This technology is proven to be fast and accurate in analyzing if the driver is below or above the alcohol limit as stated in the law.

Smartphone Applications

There are actually many smartphone applications that can detect the amount of alcohol in your body and get you home safely. There are small portable breathalyzers that can be attached to your phone. There are also those that feature games that test your reflex. Some apps feature quick access to ride sharing services as well as a list of contacts that you can call after enjoying a night out with your friends and families.