Reducing impaired-driving recidivism using advanced vehicle-based alcohol detection systems: Report to Congress

Abstract

A Report to Congress N a t i o n a l H i g h w a y T r a f f i c S a f e t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n December 2007Technical Report Documentation Page Vehicle-based alcohol detection systems use technologies designed to detect the presence of alcohol in a driver. Technology suitable for use in all vehicles that will detect an impaired driver faces many challenges including public acceptability, passive operation (not requiring the active cooperation of the driver), invulnerability to circumvention and tampering, the ability to verify that the test was performed on the driver, and the capability to perform accurately and reliably throughout the life of the vehicle without excessive requirements for maintenance.Several alcohol detection technologies were reviewed in the report: Breath sample analysis, tissue spectroscopy, transdermal perspiration measurement, eye movements, detecting alcohol vapor in the vehicle, driver and driving performance measurement. Technology for use with impaired-driving offenders (i.e., breath alcohol ignition interlock systems) is currently in use, and is practical, accurate, reliable, and relatively lowcost. The report offers suggestions for potential next steps including increasing the use of breath alcohol ignition interlocks among DWI offenders and continuing research and development on tissue spectroscopy and other transparent and non-invasive methods of measuring alcohol in drivers. Key WordsVehicle-based alcohol detection systems, alcohol ignition interlocks, DWI offenders, transdermal measurement, alcohol detection, tissue spectroscopy. Distribution Statement System DescriptionVehicle-based alcohol detection systems use various forms of technology designed to detect the presence of alcohol in a driver. Some systems are designed to measure the amount of alcohol present in the driver (typically referred to as the driver's blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, though most systems currently in use measure breath alcohol concentration or BrAC). For simplicity, the term BAC will be used in this report to refer to both blood alcohol concentration and breath alcohol concentration, even though they are not the same thing. Some of these systems are designed to prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver's BAC exceeds a predetermined level. Some systems operate while the vehicle is in motion and can take various actions if alcohol is detected. Technology Designed for All Vehicles versus Use With Special PopulationsTechnology suitable for use in all vehicles that will detect an impaired driver faces many difficult challenges including public acceptability, passive operation (not requiring the active cooperation of the driver), invulnerability to circumvention and tampering, the ability to verify that the test was performed on the driver, and the capability to perform accurately and reliably throughout the life of the vehicle without excessive requirements for maintenance. Technology designed for use with special populations...