Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall Drunk Driving Articles
Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm
As a prominent sponsor for MADD New Mexico, Bert Parnall of Parnall Law has zero tolerance for drunk driving. Bert is an advocate on behalf of drunk-driving victims and their families and wants to bring attention to the dangers of drunk driving in his home state. Here, the Parnall Law team discusses new technology designed to detect and prevent drunk driving and how it could make the roads safer for everyone.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone was killed in a drunk driving accident in the United States every 45 minutes in one recent year. Unfortunately, drunk driving is just as common in New Mexico as it is nationally. The following crash data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation illustrate how deadly these accidents can be:
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These statistics are concerning, but new technologies aimed at discouraging drunk driving and preventing DUI accidents are cause for hope. Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico’s junior U.S. senator, is working to ensure that these technologies become standard requirements for new motor vehicles.
A drunk driver struck Senator Luján head-on in 1992. He survived, but many others in similar situations do not. Since then, Sen. Luján has worked tirelessly to encourage the federal government to adopt new anti-drunk driving technology requirements. Luján’s RIDE Act was included as part of a bipartisan infrastructure bill recently signed into law.
The RIDE Act requires new vehicles to include some type of promising anti-drunk driving technology, such as:
One technology that can help protect families from drunk driving is the ignition interlock device (IID). This device, which is installed in a vehicle, requires the driver to submit a breath sample before starting the engine. If alcohol is detected above a certain limit, the vehicle will not start. The IID has been proven to significantly reduce drunk driving incidents by preventing impaired individuals from operating a motor vehicle.
Another promising technology is the use of smartphone apps that can detect impairment. These apps utilize features like facial recognition and cognitive tests to assess a person’s level of sobriety. By monitoring factors such as coordination, reaction time, and decision-making abilities, these apps can provide an accurate assessment of a person’s impairment level. This technology not only acts as a deterrent but also helps individuals make responsible decisions before getting behind the wheel.
Additionally, advancements in the field of vehicle safety have contributed to preventing drunk driving incidents. Features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking systems work together to enhance driver safety and reduce the risk of accidents. These technologies act as an extra set of eyes on the road, alerting the driver to potential hazards and intervening when necessary.
Driver monitoring systems, distinct from the technology mentioned above, are designed to detect signs of impaired driving and alert the driver or authorities to take appropriate action. These monitoring systems use a combination of sensors and cameras to monitor the driver’s behavior and detect signs of impairment. They can track eye movements, and facial expressions, and even analyze the driver’s heart rate and body temperature. By analyzing these data points, the system can identify signs of drowsiness, distraction, or alcohol impairment.
One of the key benefits of driver monitoring systems is their ability to provide real-time feedback and intervention. If the system detects signs of impaired driving, it can issue warnings to the driver, such as audible alerts or seat vibrations, to bring their attention back to the road. In more severe cases, the system can automatically slow down the vehicle, activate emergency lights, or even call for emergency assistance.
The introduction of driver monitoring systems has the potential to significantly reduce the number of accidents caused by impaired driving. By providing immediate feedback and intervention, these systems can help prevent accidents before they happen. They serve as an additional layer of protection, acting as a virtual co-pilot that keeps an eye on the driver’s condition and helps them stay focused and alert.
Alcohol detection systems are another advanced technology designed to prevent drunk driving. These systems use cutting-edge sensors to detect alcohol levels in a driver’s breath or blood and provide real-time alerts if the levels exceed the legal limit. By incorporating these systems into vehicles, potential accidents caused by impaired driving can be significantly reduced.
The ignition interlock device is an example of an alcohol detection system, but, in addition to the IID are touch-based sensors. These sensors can detect alcohol in the driver’s bloodstream by simply touching the skin. This non-intrusive and quick method provides immediate results without the need for a breathalyzer or blood tests. This technology has the potential to revolutionize roadside sobriety tests and make them more efficient and accurate.
Implementing alcohol detection systems in vehicles has proven to be an effective way to mitigate the risks associated with drunk driving. By integrating these systems, law enforcement agencies and potential clients can ensure greater safety on the roads. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving incident, it is essential to consult an experienced New Mexico accident attorney who can provide legal guidance and protect your rights.
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Hurt? Call Bert. Bert Parnall and the Albuquerque drunk driving accident lawyers of Parnall Law can help you hold drunk drivers accountable and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation session.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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