Cars can give you directions, update traffic conditions, or let you know when it’s due for an oil change. In the near future, vehicles may also refuse to operate if you have had one too many drinks at happy hour.
In an effort to curb drunk driving, the US Congress recently approved funding for the development of passive, in-vehicle alcohol detection devices that could one day be standard equipment in all automobiles. Although such devices could potentially save lives, not everyone is lifting their glasses to celebrate.
The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (or DADSS) program will receive $5 million in federal funding to research and develop technology that could instantaneously detect a driver’s blood alcohol concentration level and prevent drunk drivers from operating the vehicle. Such a device would be unobtrusive and differ from the breathalyzer-triggered ignition interlock devices that are typically installed in vehicles belonging to convicted drunk drivers.
Supporters of the program say the devices would prevent accidents and fatalities linked to drunk driving. DADDS points to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study that says 7,000 deaths could be prevented each year if alcohol detection devices were installed in all cars. Currently, most states only require convicted drunk drivers to blow into breathalyzers before a vehicle’s ignition will start.
At least one group is not in favor of a plan that would make alcohol detection devices standard equipment in all vehicles. While individual companies such as Brinker International (which owns Chili’s), Buffalo Wild Wings, and Hooters have been quiet about the issue, leaders in the bar, nightclub, and restaurant industry are worried that if customers drink less, beverage sales will suffer.
“DADSS supporters claim the alcohol detectors would be voluntary and set at .08 (blood alcohol concentration), but there is a growing mountain of evidence showing that their true goal is to put alcohol sensing technology in all cars as original equipment, set well below the 0.08 level,” said Sarah Longwell, the managing director of The American Beverage Institute (ABI), a trade organization that represents more than 8,000 restaurants.
And the restaurant and bar industry has reason to be concerned about a drop in on-premises alcohol consumption. According to a review of government statistics by NPR’s Planet Money blog, Americans are spending an increasing amount of money on booze at restaurants and clubs as opposed to buying it at the store to drink at home.
Of the money people used to buy alcohol last year, 40% of that was spent at bars and restaurants. Compare that to 1982 when only 24% of booze money was spent while out at restaurants or bars. The trend is mostly due to a 79% increase in alcohol prices at bars and restaurants between 1982 and 2011. Meanwhile alcohol prices at the store have decreased by 39%.
Restaurant and bar owners want to keep supplying thirsty customers with pricey cocktails, beer, and wine. They fear that the widespread use of alcohol detection devices in cars would deter people from ordering that extra margarita or glass of wine even when they are not legally over the limit. And if people order fewer drinks, sales will likely suffer.