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November 20, 2006
Alcohol Sensors in Cars
From Seattle PI:
This story seems a bit removed from smart cameras, but I think there are some interesting parallels between alcohol sensors and video surveillance.
First, there is a move towards using technology to detect a crime/hazardous situation rather than relying on the threat of arrest and punishment. MADD is pushing for legislation requiring first-time offenders to have these alcohol sensors / ignition-interlock devices installed in their vehicles. In part, because the technology appears to be effective at reducing alcohol related deaths.
Second, concerns how invasive the sensors should be. The current technology requires drivers to blow into a device. However, there is active work on developing passive sensors. One sensor works by detecting too much alcohol in the car. A second sensor actually shines a light on the driver and can detect alcohol content of the driver. (You can see the continuum here on the degree of invasiveness).
Third, these surveillance technologies (thats what they are, right?) are likely to be encouraged/forced onto consumers. The article notes that the passive sensors will first be used in corporate fleets and eventually insurance companies will give discounts. If this really happens, I believe at some point these devices will become either de jure or de facto standards for all cars. (This is probably a good thing).
Posted by rshah at November 20, 2006 09:25 AM
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