DOT and NHTSA Extend Agreement with Automakers to Improve Road Safety
The organizations renewed their agreement with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS)
According to a press release from NHTSA, the agency and DOT have renewed their partnership with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS). Together, the organizations have been participating in a cooperative research program aimed at cutting down drunk driving in the United States. The partnership has agreed to continue researching advanced alcohol detection technology that could prevent vehicles from being driven by a drunk driver, according to the press release.
NHTSA and ACTS (a group of 15 automakers) have begun developing a Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) as part of the partnership. The system aims to detect whether a driver is above the legal drinking limit before driving. The system would most likely be non-invasive and would not be an inconvenience for non-intoxicated drivers, according to the press release.
The program received authorization under The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, and the organizations have contributed more than $6.5 million to help fund research for DADSS. A research vehicle that incorporates two different technological approaches is expected to be available for testing by early 2015.