Automated Anti-Drunk Driving Measures

Drunk driving looks like it might some day sooner-than-later be a thing of the past—for the most part. Japanese automakers are developing a number of methods that would prevent would-be drunk drivers operate their vehicles.

Nissan is developing an ignition interlock system that is similar to the ones we already see here that are issued to drunk drivers as a condition of recovering their driving license. Not to be outdone, Toyota is developing a sweat sensing steering wheel that will (duh) detect alcohol levels through the sweat from a driver's hands.

While I agree in principle with these ideas, as one of the above articles mentions there are limitless safety concerns raised by the default addition of these devices to all vehicles, especially during emergencies. What happens if in all the hoopla that surrounds getting out of a dangerous situation you dump a bottle of booze all over yourself, hands included, and your car won't let you leave. You die. Regardless, I don't see these things becoming standard practice any time soon.