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AlcoStop Uses Sensors to Stop Drunk Drivers from Turning the Engine On

Stop drinking and driving. Yep, we’ve all heard it before. In fact, the majority of the drivers out there most likely did, but do they listen? Judging by the stats, they do, but not enough. A team of eight students from Mexico’s Institute of Technology of Cintalapa decided to create a system that leaves drivers with no choice but to stay sober. That is if they want to use the car, of course.
AlcoStop Uses Sensors to Stop Drunk Drivers from Turning the Engine On 1 photo
Photo: Damn Geeky
Breathalyzers are police officer’s main resort to making sure motorists are capable of driving a vehicle, but not all of the cars can be searched. A lot of people find a way around this checkpoint. The young researchers figured having a system any driver can install in their car would come in handy and would ease officers’ job too.

According to Damn Geeky, the device is based on a set of sensors embedded in the steering wheel, shift lever and seat of the car. Together they somehow measure the blood alcohol levels. If that number is too high, it won’t allow the driver to start the car.

And get this, after it disables the ignition switch, the device will also send a message and location via an app to a friend’s number to pick up the person.

Apparently the students are currently refining their product so that AlcoStop can be more accurate and foolproof. Once that will be taken care of, their obvious intention is to bring the device to the retail market.

There still are a couple of problems left to answer. First, why would a driver who likes to drink want to force himself not to? And secondly, what if the sensors mess up and stop working properly? Or even worse, what if there’s an emergency and the car is needed?

Other than these solvable issues, the idea could prove to be quite a game changer one day.
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