Alcohol Detection Sensor Could Become Mandatory in Vehicles
Of all the safety features that can be incorporated into vehicles (now and in the near future), the alcohol detection sensor may be one of the best features presented. Congress is contemplating legislation that would make alcohol detection technology mandatory for all vehicles.
Per Car Scoops, “The specific language of the federal mandate handed down by the NHTSA, [says] the new technology must ‘passively monitor the performance of a driver of a motor vehicle to accurately identify whether that driver may be impaired.’ Touch sensors would certainly be less intrusive to many compared to a breathalyzer.” One of the detection systems, known as Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), is able to detect the presence of alcohol in a driver’s system through embedded sensors used to measure a person’s blood alcohol level. The new technology could be in cars by 2026.
Introducing this type of technology to all drivers will benefit so many lives, mainly by reducing the possibility of drunk driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that there are 10,265 deaths per year that are caused by drunk driving. Breaking it down, that amounts to 28 deaths every day and one death that happens every 51 minutes. MADD also reported that there were over 300,000 drunk driving incidents happening a day. That equals nearly 121 million times per year that people are deciding to drink and drive.
Why is drunk driving so dangerous?
Drivers who decide to drink and drive are not only putting their lives in danger. They can cause serious and fatal injuries to other motorists and pedestrians. There are so many dangers associated with drunk driving, including the following.
Impaired judgment and decision making
Even if you consume a glass of alcohol, your judgment and decision-making process will be seriously impaired. When driving, you need to be able to maintain a certain type of speed, stay in your lane, and pay attention to particular traffic signals. When your judgment and decision-making process is flawed, it is easier for you to become distracted and reduce your attention span.
Decreased reaction time
When alcohol has entered your system, it causes your body to react in a slower manner to particular situations. Your reflexes and reaction time are drastically decreased, increasing the chances of a car accident happening. You are not able to quickly respond to the actions of other drivers and could possibly hit another vehicle from failing to react in time. Even worse, your brain will take a longer time to comprehend and process what is going on around you.
Temporary loss of vision
Another significant body part that is affected by the consumption of alcohol is your vision. Consuming alcohol can cause you to temporarily blur your vision, affecting your ability to use your peripheral vision and judge the distance between your vehicle and other vehicles. The more alcohol that you have consumed, the blurrier your vision will become.
What are my legal rights if I’m injured by a drunk driver in Maryland?
If you are injured by a drunk driver, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries and associated medical expenses, as well as your lost wages, your pain and suffering, and your property losses. If you have lost a loved one to a drunk driver, our Maryland car accident lawyers can help you with a wrongful death claim, which would allow you to seek these damages as well as funeral and burial expenses.
In most cases, it is the drunk driver him or herself who will be liable for your injuries. In some cases, other parties could be liable as well. For example, if you are injured by a commercial truck driver who is under the influence, the trucking company which employs him or her may bear some liability. These cases can be challenging, but working with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney can help protect your rights.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by a drunk driver, the experienced Maryland car accident attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, PA can help fight for the justice that you deserve. Dealing with the consequences of a drunk driving accident is hard; choosing the right representation for you and your family should not be. Call us today at 410-730-7737, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices throughout the state of Maryland.
Bruce Plaxen was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice, and assists victims of personal injury, car accidents and medical malpractice throughout the state. For more information on his legal background, please visit his attorney bio.