A federal law requiring impairment detection devices in all new cars has weathered a recent threat to strip it of funding but is now mired in concerns over the readiness of the required technology.
Rana Abbas Taylor, who lost several family members in a horrific crash caused by an impaired driver, has become a vocal advocate for this legislation, which aims to curb the 10,000+ alcohol-related deaths on U.S. roads annually. This initiative, dubbed the Honoring Abbas Family Legacy to Terminate Drunk Driving Act, was included in the $1 trillion infrastructure law signed by then-President Joe Biden in 2021.
The law, often referred to as the Halt Drunk Driving Act, anticipates requiring auto manufacturers to implement technology that can 'passively' detect impaired drivers and prevent vehicle operation. Options for this technology include air monitors, fingertip readers, or scanners for driver impairment detection.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving heralded the legislation as critically important, yet its progress has been stymied by regulatory delays, with no clear timeline for implementation.
“We measure time not in years but in lives lost,” Abbas Taylor stated in a recent interview. “When we hear companies claim they need more time or that the technology isn't ready, we interpret it as a statement that more lives must be risked before action is taken.”
The ‘Kill Switch’ Debate
A Republican-led initiative to eliminate funding for the Halt Act was defeated in the U.S. House by a vote of 268-164, while another bill aimed at complete repeal is pending a committee review.
The law has faced backlash from some lawmakers concerned it might equate to requiring a 'kill switch' in cars, which they argue could enable government control. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis likened this to the dystopian themes of George Orwell's '1984'.
In contrast, the alcohol industry has defended the law, asserting that it mandates only passive technology akin to existing safety measures like seat belts. Chris Swonger, from the Distilled Spirits Council, dismissed the claims as scare tactics.
However, Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the implications of automated decisions made by a vehicle, using the example of a driver swerving to avoid an obstacle, potentially leading to wrongful vehicle immobilization.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the call for additional research before mandating such technologies, emphasizing that even a minute error rate could result in significant disruptions for non-impaired drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently working on rules to implement the Halt Act, but various stakeholders predict a timeline extending into 2027 before manufacturers have final specifications and comply with the new requirements.
Vouching for the Tech’s Reliability
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced intentions to include impairment detection technology among criteria for awarding top safety ratings to vehicles.
Several states already enforce ignition interlock systems for DUI offenders, yet the technology outlined in the Halt Act aims to address impairment beyond just alcohol consumption.
“We're combating the notion that the technology does not exist,” said Stephanie Manning of MADD. “There’s a lot of technological potential waiting to be properly deployed.”
In an encouraging move, a congressional bill offers a $45 million reward to the first entity that successfully develops consumer-ready impairment detection technology. Abbas Taylor has expressed hope that these initiatives will lead to impactful change.
“After losing everything, I will relentlessly advocate for what is needed,” she said. “We must face the reality: change is inevitable; it’s just a matter of time.”
