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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Roads Safe Act Needs Your Support
Drunk driving is a terrible reality that exists in today's roads --- even with legislation, year after year, it seems that this continues to haunt motorist, any time of the year. That may change --- if the human element can't be corrected, some people are hoping that the cars of tomorrow become the cure themselves. There is currently legislation pending in Congress, one which aims to support research for the anti-drunk-driving technology for tomorrow's cars to be a reality.
The Roads Safe act, sponsored in the Senate by Senators Tom Udall and Bob Corker and in the House of Representatives by Shelley Moore-Capito, Heath Shuler and John Sarbanes. The legislation would help fund research on advanced alcohol detection technology that would make drunk driving impossible, or even obsolete.
At present, we currently have personal breathalyzers, ignition interlock devices and distracted driving prevention apps for smartphones. These are all well and good, but they are harder to implement on a wide scale, impossible to police (without being intrusive or violating the privacy of motorists) and sometimes, just plain expensive. Add to that, that these aren't all built-in with cars being sold today. These are aftermarket parts that have to be purchased and maintained separately, making most motorists clueless about them.
Though every motorist and pedestrian probably want even more safety for all, having to stick your mouth on a breathalyzer or ignition interlock device every single time you have to start your car is probably not the way to go.
If the legislation passes, $12 million a year over five years will be provided to fund research on new, emerging technologies for detecting impairment on behalf of the driver, without being invasive. The dadss (Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety) will be doing the research on technologies that may be able to detect alcohol from air samples in the vehicle passenger compartment, detect alcohol through the driver's skin using tissue spectroscopy, from emissions from the skin, from eye movements, and from driving performance.
The ultimate goal is to develop something that will be easy to deploy, non-invasive and effective. Once these advancements become ubiquitous with driving, drivers won't have a choice when it comes to distracted driving --- it simply won't be possible by then.
M.A.D.D. is urging everyone to support this legislation --- they urge everyone to show their email support (http://support.madd.org/site/R?i=So40TkkeQxdwYslDv3UB1A). for these technologies to become a reality, and hopefully eliminate drunk driving.
For more information on DADSS, visit their site. (http://www.dadss.org/ )
The Roads Safe act, sponsored in the Senate by Senators Tom Udall and Bob Corker and in the House of Representatives by Shelley Moore-Capito, Heath Shuler and John Sarbanes. The legislation would help fund research on advanced alcohol detection technology that would make drunk driving impossible, or even obsolete.
At present, we currently have personal breathalyzers, ignition interlock devices and distracted driving prevention apps for smartphones. These are all well and good, but they are harder to implement on a wide scale, impossible to police (without being intrusive or violating the privacy of motorists) and sometimes, just plain expensive. Add to that, that these aren't all built-in with cars being sold today. These are aftermarket parts that have to be purchased and maintained separately, making most motorists clueless about them.
Though every motorist and pedestrian probably want even more safety for all, having to stick your mouth on a breathalyzer or ignition interlock device every single time you have to start your car is probably not the way to go.
If the legislation passes, $12 million a year over five years will be provided to fund research on new, emerging technologies for detecting impairment on behalf of the driver, without being invasive. The dadss (Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety) will be doing the research on technologies that may be able to detect alcohol from air samples in the vehicle passenger compartment, detect alcohol through the driver's skin using tissue spectroscopy, from emissions from the skin, from eye movements, and from driving performance.
The ultimate goal is to develop something that will be easy to deploy, non-invasive and effective. Once these advancements become ubiquitous with driving, drivers won't have a choice when it comes to distracted driving --- it simply won't be possible by then.
M.A.D.D. is urging everyone to support this legislation --- they urge everyone to show their email support (http://support.madd.org/site/R?i=So40TkkeQxdwYslDv3UB1A). for these technologies to become a reality, and hopefully eliminate drunk driving.
For more information on DADSS, visit their site. (http://www.dadss.org/ )
Labels: avoid distracted driving, breathalyzers, drunk driving, ignition interlock device, prevent drunk driving, road safe act
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Decembers is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
Now in its 28th year, December remains to be National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. Also known as the 3D campaign, it was established way back in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan, in an effort to promote education on the dangers of drunk or drugged driving during the holidays.
With the festivities, events and parties that people are bound to attend this month, there can be no better month to be chosen to educate drivers about safety, beginning at the start of the month, and ending just before the new year. Here are some facts about impaired driving due to illegal substance consumption:
What can be done? Here are just some suggestions on how to avoid becoming part of the grim statistics:
Most driving safety organization support the drunk or drugged driving prevention program or campaign informing drivers via education. This year's focus for National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month is on getting the message across for the younger drivers, in order to keep them safe.
Public awareness coupled with highly-visible law enforcement campaigns will help drivers celebrate the holiday month, and not have to worry about being a statistic.
With the festivities, events and parties that people are bound to attend this month, there can be no better month to be chosen to educate drivers about safety, beginning at the start of the month, and ending just before the new year. Here are some facts about impaired driving due to illegal substance consumption:
- 1 in 3 fatal vehicular crashes involve an alcohol/drug-impaired driver.
- The highest rate of impaired drivers is young adults aged between 18 and 25.
- Even after the consumption of just 1 drink, decision-making abilities become impaired and drivers begin to lose their inhibitions. After 2 drinks, reasoning and memory are affected.
- 3 out of 10 Americans face the possibility of being directly involved in alcohol/drug-related traffic accident during their lifetime.
- Each year, alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost about $51 billion. (2002)
What can be done? Here are just some suggestions on how to avoid becoming part of the grim statistics:
- Plan ahead. Figure out a way to get home/be taken home in case there will be drinks in a party.
- Better yet, leave your car and don't get behind the wheel at all --- have a designated driver, find information about designated driver services, grab a cab or ask to stay over if the party is at a friend's house.
- Don't let friends drive drunk. Find ways to get keys from a friend if that friend has any alcohol intake. They may get annoyed, but it's all for their own good.
Most driving safety organization support the drunk or drugged driving prevention program or campaign informing drivers via education. This year's focus for National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month is on getting the message across for the younger drivers, in order to keep them safe.
Public awareness coupled with highly-visible law enforcement campaigns will help drivers celebrate the holiday month, and not have to worry about being a statistic.
Labels: alcohol, designated driver, designated driving service, driver safety, driving under the influence, drugged driving, drunk driving, dui, National Drunk and Drugged Driving, prevent drunk driving
Monday, July 19, 2010
A Look Into Designated Driving Services
With the risks associated with drunk driving, there has been an increase in the number of professional designated driver services. These are either companies dedicated to having professional drivers sent to where a client is and have them driven home in their own car, or extensions of transportation or chauffeur services or sometimes local volunteer organizations to prevent drunk driving.
If you plan to attend an event where there will be alcoholic drinks, consider a driving service in your area similar to some of these highlighted below in Washington, Texas, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania and North Carolina:
Zingo, several states
(http://www.callzingo.com/) - When you call up Zingo, insured professional drivers will arrive in a foldable bike, store the bike in your trunk, take your keys and drive you home. Fees are $20 for initial pick-up and $2/mile plus tip. Services are available Tues-Wed 9PM – 2AM and Thurs-Sat 9PM – 4 AM otherwise, the service is closed on Sundays/Mondays. What's great about Zingo is that their services are available in several states.
Sober Rovers, Washington State (http://www.soberrovers.com/index.php) – Available in Washington state, Sober Rovers are scooter-riding professional drivers who pick up a client and deliver them safely home for $3 pick-up fee and $7 per mile. ($5 per mile after 10 miles) There's even a special promo for a Rover Miles card, which lowers the rate to a flat $5 per mile.
My Private Driver, several areas in Texas and L.A. Orange County (http://www.myprivatedriver.com/designated-driver-service-dallas-fort-worth-austin-texas-los-angeles-orange-county.html) – This is a new service offered by My Private Driver, a transportation company. There are currently 2 options for their designated driver service: Option 1 "On Demand", which is currently only available in Addison, TX. Once a call has been made, a driver will be dispatched to a client's current location, deliver the client in their car to their home, and the company will send in someone to pick up the driver. Option 2 "Personal Designated Driver", is basically hiring a driver for the night, meaning that clients won't even have to get in the driver's seat for a night out. The service will start from the client's home and will end in the same location. Rates are $28 per hour.
The Pear Transportation, Pittsburgh (http://www.thepearcares.com/) - Touting themselves as the only designated driver service in Pittsburgh. For a pick-up fee of $20 and $2 per mile, a professional driver is dispatched to where a client needs to be picked up, drives the client in their car home and then The Pear will send a runner for the driver.
Buzzed Home, Asheville, North Carolina (http://www.getbuzzedhome.com/Home.php) – Upon contact, a driver will be sent to the client's location in a foldable scooter, drive the client home in their car and leave using the scooter. This service is available only in Asheville, with their schedules being Thurs-Sat, 8PM – 2:30AM. Rates are $25 for up to 4 miles and $3.50 per additional mile, plus driver tip.
There are other services available, varying in how they dispatch drivers and location operations. The companies all state they use a methodical screening process for how they pick their drivers. These services may cost a little bit more than a cab ride home, but it beats the alternative of potentially driving under the influence. This also ensures you do not have to leave your car parked overnight, potentially accumulating overnight parking fees, and you having to pick it up the following day.
Be responsible; consider a designated driving service over the alternative to help keep our roads safe!
Read more about additional Technology to Prevent Drunk Driving: Disposable Breathalyzers
If you plan to attend an event where there will be alcoholic drinks, consider a driving service in your area similar to some of these highlighted below in Washington, Texas, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania and North Carolina:
Zingo, several states
(http://www.callzingo.com/) - When you call up Zingo, insured professional drivers will arrive in a foldable bike, store the bike in your trunk, take your keys and drive you home. Fees are $20 for initial pick-up and $2/mile plus tip. Services are available Tues-Wed 9PM – 2AM and Thurs-Sat 9PM – 4 AM otherwise, the service is closed on Sundays/Mondays. What's great about Zingo is that their services are available in several states.
Sober Rovers, Washington State (http://www.soberrovers.com/index.php) – Available in Washington state, Sober Rovers are scooter-riding professional drivers who pick up a client and deliver them safely home for $3 pick-up fee and $7 per mile. ($5 per mile after 10 miles) There's even a special promo for a Rover Miles card, which lowers the rate to a flat $5 per mile.
My Private Driver, several areas in Texas and L.A. Orange County (http://www.myprivatedriver.com/designated-driver-service-dallas-fort-worth-austin-texas-los-angeles-orange-county.html) – This is a new service offered by My Private Driver, a transportation company. There are currently 2 options for their designated driver service: Option 1 "On Demand", which is currently only available in Addison, TX. Once a call has been made, a driver will be dispatched to a client's current location, deliver the client in their car to their home, and the company will send in someone to pick up the driver. Option 2 "Personal Designated Driver", is basically hiring a driver for the night, meaning that clients won't even have to get in the driver's seat for a night out. The service will start from the client's home and will end in the same location. Rates are $28 per hour.
The Pear Transportation, Pittsburgh (http://www.thepearcares.com/) - Touting themselves as the only designated driver service in Pittsburgh. For a pick-up fee of $20 and $2 per mile, a professional driver is dispatched to where a client needs to be picked up, drives the client in their car home and then The Pear will send a runner for the driver.
Buzzed Home, Asheville, North Carolina (http://www.getbuzzedhome.com/Home.php) – Upon contact, a driver will be sent to the client's location in a foldable scooter, drive the client home in their car and leave using the scooter. This service is available only in Asheville, with their schedules being Thurs-Sat, 8PM – 2:30AM. Rates are $25 for up to 4 miles and $3.50 per additional mile, plus driver tip.
There are other services available, varying in how they dispatch drivers and location operations. The companies all state they use a methodical screening process for how they pick their drivers. These services may cost a little bit more than a cab ride home, but it beats the alternative of potentially driving under the influence. This also ensures you do not have to leave your car parked overnight, potentially accumulating overnight parking fees, and you having to pick it up the following day.
Be responsible; consider a designated driving service over the alternative to help keep our roads safe!
Read more about additional Technology to Prevent Drunk Driving: Disposable Breathalyzers
Labels: designated driving service, drunk driving, dui, prevent drunk driving
Monday, July 12, 2010
Technology to Prevent Drunk Driving
Most DUI related collisions resulting in death or major injuries are caused by drivers who have never been arrested for DUI before. Many of these drivers had driven with alcohol levels above the legal limit before but, having never been caught before, continued to drive after drinking. A couple of factors contribute to this. One is the attitude of “It’ll never happen to me.” The other is the fact that alcohol affects the judgment center of the brain and many don’t realize just how drunk they are.
The biggest deterrent to drunk driving is the fear of being caught but, when someone’s judgment is altered by alcohol, that fear may not exist. Trying to take away the keys and prevent someone in that state from driving can be difficult if not impossible. There are some technologies available that could help.
Disposable Breathalyzers – A company called Alcotesters.com sells a variety of breathalyzers but the most interesting is a disposable, very cheap, breathalyzer that can be used by anyone. They use a chemical process to detect alcohol in a person's breath and are small enough to fit on a key-chain. They can be purchased in any one of four settings from zero tolerance, set at .02 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), to measure any amount of alcohol in a person’s system, up to a .08 BAC setting that measures the legal limit for all 50 states.
Instead of trying to reason with a friend who may be too drunk to drive, these tiny breathalyzers provide an independent accurate measure of a person's alcohol level. They are so effective that the US Army is now issuing these key-chain breathalyzers to its troops and are encouraging the troops to use them to watch out for their buddies when they are out for a night on the town.
They may also be an effective tool for parents to use. It is difficult to overcome peer pressure when a teen is out of sight but, knowing that they may possibly face a breathalyzer test when they get home, may be enough to keep a teen from drinking at all.
Interlock Devices – Most people are aware of interlock devices required by the court to be installed in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers. These breathalyzers require that the driver blow a clean sample before the car can be started. To prevent a drunk driver from asking a passerby to blow a clean sample, they require the driver to blow a clean sample at random times while driving; if the driver fails to comply, the engine shuts down.
Most states require the interlock device to be installed after a second DUI offense but drunk driving victim advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are pushing for legislation to require their use after a first conviction for DUI.
Interlock Devices as Standard Equipment - An amendment to the 2010 Motor Vehicle Safety Act, calls for $40 million over the next five years to develop alcohol detection sensors and could lead to sensors becoming standard equipment in all new vehicles in as few as 5 to 10 years.
These sensors are far different from the interlock devices installed in the vehicles of convicted DUI offenders today. The research being funded will look into skin sensors in the vehicle's steering wheel that could detect the presence of alcohol in the driver's sweat, or sensors located in the driver’s headrest that can detect alcohol in the driver’s breath or perspiration. The sensors will be set to require detection of a .08 BAC level before it locks the vehicle’s ignition system.
The American Beverage Association considers this measure to be a form of “Big Brotherism” but victim advocacy groups such as MADD and driving safety organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety see the legislation as a positive step to prevent drunk driving.
Low Tech Approaches – Of course the safest and most effective approach to preventing drunk driving is to not drink and drive. If you make the decision on how you will get home, either by using a designated driver or calling a cab, before you go out for a night on the town, chances are pretty good that you will stick with that decision. But, if you wait until after you have been drinking and your judgment abilities are diminished by the alcohol's effects, you may find yourself driving into a lot of trouble. Technology is great but it can’t replace good common sense.
Additional Articles:
How to Deal with Underage Driving: Tips for Parents
Tips for Safe Summer Driving: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
The biggest deterrent to drunk driving is the fear of being caught but, when someone’s judgment is altered by alcohol, that fear may not exist. Trying to take away the keys and prevent someone in that state from driving can be difficult if not impossible. There are some technologies available that could help.
Disposable Breathalyzers – A company called Alcotesters.com sells a variety of breathalyzers but the most interesting is a disposable, very cheap, breathalyzer that can be used by anyone. They use a chemical process to detect alcohol in a person's breath and are small enough to fit on a key-chain. They can be purchased in any one of four settings from zero tolerance, set at .02 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), to measure any amount of alcohol in a person’s system, up to a .08 BAC setting that measures the legal limit for all 50 states.
Instead of trying to reason with a friend who may be too drunk to drive, these tiny breathalyzers provide an independent accurate measure of a person's alcohol level. They are so effective that the US Army is now issuing these key-chain breathalyzers to its troops and are encouraging the troops to use them to watch out for their buddies when they are out for a night on the town.
They may also be an effective tool for parents to use. It is difficult to overcome peer pressure when a teen is out of sight but, knowing that they may possibly face a breathalyzer test when they get home, may be enough to keep a teen from drinking at all.
Interlock Devices – Most people are aware of interlock devices required by the court to be installed in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers. These breathalyzers require that the driver blow a clean sample before the car can be started. To prevent a drunk driver from asking a passerby to blow a clean sample, they require the driver to blow a clean sample at random times while driving; if the driver fails to comply, the engine shuts down.
Most states require the interlock device to be installed after a second DUI offense but drunk driving victim advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are pushing for legislation to require their use after a first conviction for DUI.
Interlock Devices as Standard Equipment - An amendment to the 2010 Motor Vehicle Safety Act, calls for $40 million over the next five years to develop alcohol detection sensors and could lead to sensors becoming standard equipment in all new vehicles in as few as 5 to 10 years.
These sensors are far different from the interlock devices installed in the vehicles of convicted DUI offenders today. The research being funded will look into skin sensors in the vehicle's steering wheel that could detect the presence of alcohol in the driver's sweat, or sensors located in the driver’s headrest that can detect alcohol in the driver’s breath or perspiration. The sensors will be set to require detection of a .08 BAC level before it locks the vehicle’s ignition system.
The American Beverage Association considers this measure to be a form of “Big Brotherism” but victim advocacy groups such as MADD and driving safety organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety see the legislation as a positive step to prevent drunk driving.
Low Tech Approaches – Of course the safest and most effective approach to preventing drunk driving is to not drink and drive. If you make the decision on how you will get home, either by using a designated driver or calling a cab, before you go out for a night on the town, chances are pretty good that you will stick with that decision. But, if you wait until after you have been drinking and your judgment abilities are diminished by the alcohol's effects, you may find yourself driving into a lot of trouble. Technology is great but it can’t replace good common sense.
Additional Articles:
How to Deal with Underage Driving: Tips for Parents
Tips for Safe Summer Driving: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Labels: drunk driving, dui, prevent drunk driving
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