Aussie cars fitted with ‘anti-drunk’ devices

A “revolutionary” gadget which prevents drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel will end drink driving, an Australian MP has predicted.

The AUS$1,000 Interlocking device prevents a car from starting unless its driver passes a breathalyser test, as reported by The Daily Mail. 

The device registers the amount of alcohol in a driver’s blood and will prevent the car from starting if its driver is found to be over the limit, with cameras set to be fitted to Victorian cars by 2015 to prevent someone else from blowing into a drunk-driver’s interlocking device.

It also registers the number of times offenders have tried to start their car while under the influence of alcohol.

From October all first time drink-driving offenders will be made to fit the $1,000 device in their cars by 2016, if they are caught by police registering a reading of .07 or more.

Probationary drivers, and those with a cancelled licence caught with readings of between .05 and .07, will also be made to fit them, according to the report.

By 2016, any driver caught registering any alcohol in their blood will be made to install the device.

Transport minister and Victorian MP Terry Mulder said that the device would cut down on the rate of accidents and deaths and revealed ambitions to make the $1,000 device a permanent feature inside all new Australian vehicles sold. 

In Victoria, drink-drivers make up 25 to 30% of deaths and 11% of serious injuries, with repeat drink-drivers accounting for 20%.

Mulder said: “Technological advances mean that in the long-term alcohol interlocks are likely to be a standard feature of all new vehicles in Australia. But in the meantime, Victoria is leading the way in taking action to reduce the menace caused by drink driving offenders.”

He added: “The community has asked us to act on this. We are going to act on this and we are going to act in a very, very strong manner.”