The Japanese might soon have problems starting their cars if they are drunk over the legal limit.

Automaker Nissan will soon start testing their on board “breathalyzer-like” devices that will prevent inebriated motorists from starting their cars.

The device detects the blood alcohol content when someone gets behind the wheel, and if it finds that its over the legal limit, the hopes of turning that engine over are squashed.

The company might not be launching the technology just yet, says Nissan Motor spokeswoman Pauline Kee.

“It’s probably going to require a lot of legislative support or a government push for making it a requirement, or it could be available as an option. Obviously we can install it on our vehicles but you also need to think about whether or not customers want such a device,”

Earlier potential “solutions” included a straw-like device which one would have to puff on before ignition could ensue, or an automated system that would require drivers to enter a series of numbers before being granted access to cruise.

With nearly 14,000 drunk driving accidents in 2005, leaving 707 people dead (according to the National Police Agency), this could just be the right step forward.

Source : Physorg

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