On Behalf of O’Malley Tunstall PLLC | Dec 9, 2021 | Car Accidents

We all know that drunk driving crashes occur far too often. At the end of football games, concerts, student parties, and the like, people who have been drinking are driving home, a common occurrence in North Carolina college towns.

However, lawmakers are working on technology that may help prevent drunk driving accidents. U.S. Congress is requiring automakers to spend money and time finding ways to prevent drunk people from getting behind the wheel.

A new mandate could change the future of driving

One of the new mandates from Congress is focused on using monitoring systems that would stop intoxicated drivers. The systems are expected to be required in all new vehicles starting as soon as 2026. That change isn’t possible until the Transportation Department figures out what kind of technology would be best to install in the millions of vehicles in America.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has called this a monumental change because it could, eventually, eliminate drunk driving. Of course, vehicles made before 2026 will not have this same technology. It may also be that the technology may not be in place by then.

Drunk driving is a serious cause for concern

Annually, around 10,000 people are killed in alcohol-related collisions throughout the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that these deaths make up about 30% of all traffic fatalities in the country. If the technology is put in place, the mandated changes are likely to cut down on deaths.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for drunk drivers on the road. Keep your distance if you see a car weaving on the road in front of you, or take a different road home to avoid them altogether.