Toyota creating alcohol detection system

Wed Jan 3, 7:13 AM ET

TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corp. is developing a fail-safe system for cars that detects drunken drivers and automatically shuts the vehicle down if sensors pick up signs of excessive alcohol consumption, a news report said Wednesday.
Cars fitted with the detection system will not start if sweat sensors in the driving wheel detect high levels of alcohol in the driver's bloodstream, according to a report carried by the mass-circulation daily, Asahi Shimbun.
The system could also kick in if the sensors detect abnormal steering, or if a special camera shows that the driver's pupils are not in focus. The car is then slowed to a halt, the report said.
The world's No. 2 automaker hopes to fit cars with the system by the end of 2009, according to the report. Calls to Toyota's headquarters in Nagoya rang unanswered on Wednesday, a public holiday.
Nissan Motor Co., another Japanese car manufacturer, has already been experimenting with breathalyzer-like devices that could detect if a driver was drunken. Similar technologies, such as alcohol ignition interlocks, are in use in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Concerns over drunken driving have surged in Japan following a series of alcohol-related accidents last year. In August, a drunken driver collided with another vehicle carrying a family of five, plunging them off a bridge and killing three children.
The incident prompted stepped-up roadside spot checks by police, who also plan to stiffen penalties for drunken driving.

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Easy answer for a car that won't start, wear some gloves.

Thats why they're number 2

The eye movement is going to be difficult to beat.....unless you're wearing gloves and sunglasses.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

I see, I see. All of you guys try to outsmart your own cars? That's not nice.
I think it's absolutely great, that's what we need, cars smarter tha ourselves.

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I think the greater problem is being avoided. Drunk driving and poor judgement in general.

At least in Germany taxis have two drivers where one drives your car home and you get a ride home in the taxi so you can nurse that hangover at home without wrapping your car around a tree and being carried away in an emergency vehicle.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

Ofcourse there are many ways of curing eventual outcome of, or avoid drunk driving. A car that would deny access to you once you are under the influence, is only the last instance. And a though one, I suppose.

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and don't forget the aluminum hat...

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

When I read the title of the thread, I was thinking about the old trick of mixing ethylene glycol with the fuel. But you're talking about alcohol in the driver, not in the tank.

I read a story in the St. Louis paper a while back about an outfit who drove tiny scooters to you, put the scooter in your trunk and drove you home. I don't know if they're still around.

Sadly, the guy who was doing that was hit by a drunk while he was riding his leetle scooter. . .

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

where are the cars "slowed to a halt", on the freeway?

other than that i like the idea.

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TXBill



Former owner of a few diesel MB cars
1998 Lexus ES 300 In Chicago We Trust

Bill! What happened to the TDI?

It blew up.

Actually it started to overheat on me on a trip, the head gasket blew and two of the four cylinders were trashed.

I sure miss the fuel mileage i was getting, but i enjoy the room and the many features on my new ride.

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TXBill



Former owner of a few diesel MB cars
1998 Lexus ES 300 In Chicago We Trust

Sorry to hear of your loss--seems like you have run through quite a few cars in the last few years. Those here who have met me will laugh if they read this, but I actually am a big fan of the minivan. I wanted to get one several years ago instead of a suburban (before kids!) and my wife refused to drive one.

Since you now have reliable transportation, time to slip bag into an older MB diesel again, maybe.

I'm a big fan of minivans as well. It's hard to fault the efficient use of space in a minivan.

I am keeping my eyes open for another Benz diesel. Good ones are getting harder to find daily it seems.

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TXBill



Former owner of a few diesel MB cars
1998 Lexus ES 300 In Chicago We Trust