We have previously observed that it is surprisingly easy for responsible adults to unintentionally drive while illegally drunk. Currently, the law generally allows individuals aged 21 years and older to have some alcohol in their bloodstreams while operating motor vehicles. What is critical is that one’s blood alcohol content does not rise above the legal limit. Because alcohol metabolizes differently in the body based on a number of factors, some adults may feel sober even when their BAC exceeds the legal limit.

As a result, it can be very easy for someone to unintentionally drive while illegally drunk. In an effort to prevent unintentional drunk driving scenarios and in an effort to prevent intentional drunk driving as well, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently unveiled a prototype vehicle equipped with technology designed to prevent motorists from driving while illegally intoxicated.

The NHTSA and several major automakers have been developing this anti-DUI technology since 2008, according to The Detroit News. The technology is being referred to as DADSS, which is an acronym for Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety. Unlike ignition interlock devices, this particular technology is noninvasive. The noninvasive nature of this technology is likely to please many motorists who would otherwise choose to avoid a device that they would be required to blow into before driving.

According to the NHTSA administration, “There is still a great deal of work to do, but support from Congress and the industry has helped us achieve key research and development milestones. DADSS has enormous potential to prevent drunk driving in specific populations such as teen drivers and commercial fleets, and making it an option available to vehicle owners would provide a powerful new tool in the battle against drunk driving deaths.”

Source: The Detroit News, “NHTSA unveils prototype car to bar drunken driving,” David Shepardson, June 4, 2015