How about an Apple Car that wouldn’t allow drunk drivers behind the wheel? If/when Apple debuts its own vehicle, it will likely eventually be self-driving. However, I don’t expect the first iteration or two to be autonomous.
That said, an Apple Car would include a powerful safety feature that’s being discussed. U.S. auto-safety regulators said on Tuesday they have begun the process that will eventually force carmakers to adopt new technology to prevent intoxicated drivers from starting vehicles, reports The Guardian.
In 2021, Congress directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mandate a passive technology to try to avert more than 10,000 road deaths annually. The law requires a technology safety standard by November 2024 if the technology is ready.
The Guardian notes that a number of technologies currently under development could potentially prevent impaired people from starting a vehicle, including breath- or touch-based sensors to detect alcohol. Another potential option is using cameras to monitor eye movements to try to determine whether drivers are intoxicated. However, the NHTSA must be assured the technology works before it can require it, and then give automakers at least three years to implement it once it finalizes rules.
Wouldn’t such tech be a fantastic feature in an Apple Car? Besides, I don’t expect to see such a vehicle roll out before 2026 at the earliest.
