Can drunken driving BE AVOIDED ?

Drunk Ahmedabad bizman rams Audi into 6 cars

(CCTV footage from the spot showed the inebriated suspect casually smoking a cigarette before lying down on the road to sleep)

Road accidents are one of the biggest cause of deaths on Indian roads. As per media statistics, in India one person is killed in a road accident every four minutes. According to the WHO, approximately 30% of road traffic deaths are caused by alcohol-related incidents. The causes for India's exceptionally high number of on road casualties include – Drunken driving, Bad roads, Careless user behavior, Defective road design and engineering, poor enforcement of traffic rules and the lack of rapid trauma care.

Technology plays a crucial role in preventing fatal road accidents by enhancing driver safety, vehicle efficiency, and road awareness.

Roadcast has focussed on the 'controllables'. CARELESS USER BEHAVIOR It offers smart technology solutions that can help avert incidents related to irresponsible driver behaviour:

Alcohol Detection Sensor to avoid Drunken Driving:

1. Installed in the vehicle, typically in the steering wheel or dashboard.

2. Detects the alcohol content in the driver's breath before allowing the vehicle to start.

3. Immobilization Mechanism:If the breath analyser detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit, the vehicle's ignition is locked, preventing it from starting.

4. Continuous Monitoring:Some systems periodically check the driver's breath while driving to ensure they remain sober.

5. Integration with Fleet Management Systems:For commercial fleets, the data from breath analysers can be recorded and sent to fleet managers for monitoring and compliance.

Driver Monitoring Systems

1. Fatigue Detection: Advanced systems like dashcams with AI can detect signs of driver fatigue (e.g., yawning, eye closure) and issue alerts.

2. Behavior Monitoring: Cameras and sensors monitor driver behavior, identifying unsafe practices such as mobile phone use or erratic driving, and providing real-time feedback.

3. Smoking Detection : Smoking reduces oxygen levels which can affect driver behaviour. Cameras and sensors can detect and issue an alert if the driver is smoking.

Vehicle Telematics

1. Speed Management: GPS-based telematics systems monitor and alert drivers or fleet managers about overspeeding, enabling timely intervention.

2. Geofencing: Alerts drivers when they enter hazardous or restricted areas.

3. Predictive Maintenance: Harsh acceleration can lead to accident risks and harsh braking can lead to overheating of tyre pads, leading to a malfunction. Sensors track vehicle health, such as brake wear or tire pressure, reducing the risk of mechanical failures on the road, by issuing alerts.

Collision Avoidance Systems

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features like harsh cornering/ lane departure detect can significantly reduce front collision risks.

Drunken driving CAN be avoided. Developing countries like India, often face higher rates of drunk driving due to lax enforcement and public awareness.

Breath analysers integrated into vehicles and combined with other advanced safety systems, can drastically reduce accidents. It helps companies maintain safer operations by ensuring drivers are sober. Drivers or fleets using breath analyser technology may qualify for lower insurance premiums due to reduced risk. Parents can install these devices to ensure their teenage children do not drive under the influence of alcohol.

By combining education, technology, enforcement, and individual responsibility, societies can significantly reduce the incidence of alcohol-related accidents and make roads safer for everyone.