Apple’s Innovative Car Key: A Step Towards Safer Roads
Drunk driving continues to be a significant threat on American roads, with severe consequences. Recent reports indicate that a person dies every 52 minutes in alcohol-related crashes, emphasizing the urgent need for effective solutions. Fortunately, Apple has developed an intriguing new car key technology that could help directly address this problem.
Apple has filed a patent for a car key that refuses to unlock a vehicle if the driver is impaired. It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to connect to the vehicle, enabling drivers to configure it using their car’s NFC reader. By placing an iPhone on the reader, the car key appears in the Wallet app, allowing it to function without unlocking the phone. This technological advancement is potentially a significant step in minimizing drunk driving incidents.
Criminal defense attorneys are also considering this technology and its potential ramifications for future legal scenarios.
Initially designed for BMWs, the technology is gradually being implemented by other automakers. The car key breathalyzer works by requiring the user to meet specific biometric criteria, such as a blood alcohol content (BAC) percentage below a threshold, to unlock the vehicle.
How the Car Key Breathalyzer Works
The system’s core concept is relatively straightforward. If the user’s BAC is below the set threshold, the device removes the security credentials, allowing the car to be unlocked. Conversely, if the device detects a BAC level exceeding the threshold (e.g., above 0.08), it maintains the secure credentials, preventing the car from starting. This technology could be instrumental in preventing drunk driving incidents.
This innovation is timely, as the U.S. continues to grapple with the issue of drunk driving. If current trends persist, the car key breathalyzer will likely emerge as a key solution to drunk driving in the US. By limiting access to vehicles for intoxicated individuals, the technology will likely encourage drivers to seek alternative means of transport, thereby potentially lowering the number of drunk drivers on US roads and, consequently, the number of crashes.
The Impact of Drunk Driving
Alcohol significantly impairs judgment and reduces reaction time in drivers. Data from 2019 shows that the death toll reached 10,142, which is a preventable loss of life every day. Lowering the BAC has worked in other instances, as Utah reduced its state level to .05, and saw a 19% decrease in traffic fatalities.
NHTSA Recommendations for Safe Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers several important recommendations to help curb drunk driving:
- Do not drink and drive.
- Call a taxi or have a sober friend drive you home.
- Do not allow people who have been drinking to drive. Confiscate their keys and organize another form of transportation.
- If you are the host of a party where drinks will be served, ensure all guests have a sober ride home.
- Plan your ride home before the party. You can have a non-drinking friend drive you home.
- Always wear your safety belt.
Conclusion
Drunk driving continues to have tragic consequences, and it is vital to find and implement innovative solutions to address this issue. By incorporating technology like Apple’s car key breathalyzer and following the NHTSA’s recommendations, we can all contribute to reducing drunk driving and making our roads safer for everyone.
