Combats Drunk Driving

Maryland officials are testing new technology installed in vehicles that prevents the car from moving if the driver’s had too much to drink. The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety analyzes the driver’s breath — there’s no need for a separate device — and if the sensors in the vehicle pick up a given level of alcohol, the engine will turn over, but the car won’t move. By allowing the car to start, the driver can then charge their phone and call a cab or a ride-hailing service. The sensors can be set to “zero tolerance” in the case of teen drivers, or can be set to 0.08, the legal limit.