Prototype Car Won't Start If Driver Is Drunk

WALTHAM (AP) -- An alcohol-detection prototype that uses automatic sensors to gauge a driver's fitness to be on the road has been demonstrated for federal transportation officials at a Massachusetts lab.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were in Waltham on Friday to see the devices, designed to instantly detect if a driver is drunk and prevent a vehicle from starting.

A woman demonstrating the prototype drank two cocktails over 30 minutes and showed how breath and touch sensors detected her blood alcohol level.

Developers say the technology would be less intrusive than current alcohol ignition interlock systems that force drivers to blow into a breath-testing device.

Officials say the prototype is at least eight years from commercial use.

Critics question the cost and reliability.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)