Autoliv Alcohol Sensor Enters Next Phase

The Autoliv approach uses a non-obtrusive system to measure the alcohol content in the breath of the driver to estimate blood alcohol content (BAC). This is accomplished by applying infrared (IR) spectroscopy as the principle sensing technology. This technology offers the potential for high sensitivity and system reliability at a reasonable cost with low on-going maintenance.

“We are excited to be selected by ACTS and NHTSA to apply our technology in demonstration vehicles for real-world testing” stated Hakan Pettersson, Project Manager for Autoliv. “We are not yet ready for prime-time, however we are confident that we will overcome the challenges with applying advanced technology in the automotive environment ” added Pettersson.

NHTSA estimates that one third of all traffic fatalities in the US involve alcohol-impaired drivers. “What these advanced alcohol-detection technologies will do is to prevent anyone from operating a motor vehicle if their BAC is at or above the U.S. legal limit of 0.08 percent,” said Susan A. Ferguson, DADSS program manager. This technology has the potential to save an estimated 8,000 lives a year.' adds Ferguson. Research indicates that the public is ready for such a device. Two‐thirds of those surveyed considered the use of advanced technology to keep drunk drivers off the roads to be a “good” or “very good” idea.

This phase of the project is expected to be completed within two years.