Toyota System Detects Drunk Drivers

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Jan 3, 2007 | 03:39 AM

scionlife

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From: scionlife.com

Toyota System Detects Drunk Drivers

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/...ap3293539.html

Quote:

Toyota Motor Corp. is developing a fail-safe system for cars that detects drunken drivers and automatically shuts the vehicle down if sensors pick up signs of excessive alcohol consumption, a news report said Wednesday.

Cars fitted with the detection system will not start if sweat sensors in the driving wheel detect high levels of alcohol in the driver's bloodstream, according to a report carried by the mass-circulation daily, Asahi Shimbun.

The system could also kick in if the sensors detect abnormal steering, or if a special camera shows that the driver's pupils are not in focus. The car is then slowed to a halt, the report said.

The world's No. 2 automaker hopes to fit cars with the system by the end of 2009, according to the report. Calls to Toyota (nyse: TM - news - people )'s headquarters in Nagoya rang unanswered on Wednesday, a public holiday.

Jan 3, 2007 | 03:41 AM

paul34

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Hopefully none of this kicks in for those who track their Toyos on the weekends

Jan 3, 2007 | 03:42 AM

zinker

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hmmm on the abnormal steering, but everything else rocks

Jan 3, 2007 | 03:44 AM

jwaj2002

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go for it, I think toyota needs to share that with every car company and the US goverment needs to retrofit it into every car out there, would make the streets much, much safer, and my job much easier

Jan 3, 2007 | 05:14 AM

dexter_5000

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its good that its a safety thing i just wouldn't want people to become dependent on it.

Jan 3, 2007 | 05:21 AM

halveblue

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im not sure if this thing has been completely thought out. a parked vehicle on a freeway is pretty dangerous. if anything, it should limit how fast a car can go. but there are problems with that idea as well.

Jan 3, 2007 | 06:13 AM

exige

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halve i see where you're coming from...if it was in the middle of the highway. however if it was able to be on the side then its an absolute no brainer that its worth it. itd be amazing if they could come up with something like that.

Jan 3, 2007 | 07:38 AM

bBlover

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Usually I wouldn't give credit to Volvo, but Volvo originally came up with this idea. They never stated that it would go into production though. Props to Toyota for bringing this idea back and putting a different spin on it and actually putting it into production.

Jan 3, 2007 | 09:07 AM

ih8civx

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Bet cha that wont be cheap...

Jan 3, 2007 | 09:30 AM

#10

amanda776

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Smart drunks wear gloves. LOL

Great idea though!

Jan 3, 2007 | 11:31 AM

#11

skiboarder72

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too many potential problems, i can just see the cars not starting for completely sober people already...

Jan 3, 2007 | 11:44 AM

#12

iKevin

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Or what about people that are driving erratically to get someone to the hospital . . . say someone having a heart attack or going into labor? It's an honorable concept though.