Maybe this qualifies for most ridiculous item of the day!
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,938
Maybe this qualifies for most ridiculous item of the day!
Leaked: Toyota to Develop Alcohol Detection System
I'm not quite sure how I actually feel about this (and I'm not much of drinker so it really would never impact me, personallY) but it just doesn't "sit" right with me for some reason. 
According to a leaked news report by Japan's Asahi Shimbun paper, Toyota is developing a fail-safe system for cars that automatically shuts the vehicle down if sensors pick up signs of excessive alcohol consumption. The system can detect abnormal steering and whether the driver's pupils are not in focus; sweat sensors in the driving wheel can determine the level of alcohol in the driver's bloodstream. If any of these symptoms of drunk driving are detecting the car will not turn on or will slow to a halt. The report said that Toyota hopes to equip cars with the system by the end of 2009. Nissan has already been experimenting with breathalyzer-like devices that could detect if a driver is drunk.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 208
From: Central Kentucky
If any of these symptoms of drunk driving are detecting the car will...slow to a halt
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,312
From: Aurora, IL
I read that article earlier and although it seems like a good idea, it does make me uneasy in a few ways. It also makes me hope they make it a pretty bulletproof setup because a glich in the system would make me concerned with shut-offs and no-starts at the wrong time.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
You have to actually BUY the Toyota first.
This is an excellent example of how creativity (or having too high an IQ) sometimes outstrips common sense.
If someone like to drink, and saw nothing wrong with slamming a few before driving home, does Toyota actually believe that person is going to see that option, have it explained to them, and buy that option if it's available, or buy the car if it's mandatory???
This is an excellent example of how creativity (or having too high an IQ) sometimes outstrips common sense.
If someone like to drink, and saw nothing wrong with slamming a few before driving home, does Toyota actually believe that person is going to see that option, have it explained to them, and buy that option if it's available, or buy the car if it's mandatory???
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,579
From: The Land of Pleasant Living
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Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
I don't like this for two major reasons:
The big brother aspect. Next thing you know those cars are going to automatically issue a DUI citation, too, or use something like onstar to call the cops. Then people are going to be wearing gloves and sunglasses to keep the car from seeing and sensing them.
And more importantly this seems like it could have some SERIOUS reliability issues involved - I mean how hard would it be for the computer to read you incorrectly and periodically leave you stranded when you aren't drunk at all or did have a couple drinks but are well within legal limitations?
Look... I'm all for installing something like this in repeat DUI offender cars... but for the general public? Come on...
Sometimes I wish the size of your brain was at least the size of your mouth...
It detects alcohol in your sweat. If you've been drinking excessively, your sweat will contain an accordingly measurable level of alcohol.
If you just went and worked out at the gym your sweat will be alcohol free, so no worries.
The big brother aspect. Next thing you know those cars are going to automatically issue a DUI citation, too, or use something like onstar to call the cops. Then people are going to be wearing gloves and sunglasses to keep the car from seeing and sensing them.
And more importantly this seems like it could have some SERIOUS reliability issues involved - I mean how hard would it be for the computer to read you incorrectly and periodically leave you stranded when you aren't drunk at all or did have a couple drinks but are well within legal limitations?
Look... I'm all for installing something like this in repeat DUI offender cars... but for the general public? Come on...
It detects alcohol in your sweat. If you've been drinking excessively, your sweat will contain an accordingly measurable level of alcohol.
If you just went and worked out at the gym your sweat will be alcohol free, so no worries.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,579
From: The Land of Pleasant Living
I don't like this for two major reasons:
The big brother aspect. Next thing you know those cars are going to automatically issue a DUI citation, too, or use something like onstar to call the cops. Then people are going to be wearing gloves and sunglasses to keep the car from seeing and sensing them.
And more importantly this seems like it could have some SERIOUS reliability issues involved - I mean how hard would it be for the computer to read you incorrectly and periodically leave you stranded when you aren't drunk at all or did have a couple drinks but are well within legal limitations?
Look... I'm all for installing something like this in repeat DUI offender cars... but for the general public? Come on...
Sometimes I wish the size of your brain was at least the size of your mouth...
It detects alcohol in your sweat. If you've been drinking excessively, your sweat will contain an accordingly measurable level of alcohol.
If you just went and worked out at the gym your sweat will be alcohol free, so no worries.
The big brother aspect. Next thing you know those cars are going to automatically issue a DUI citation, too, or use something like onstar to call the cops. Then people are going to be wearing gloves and sunglasses to keep the car from seeing and sensing them.
And more importantly this seems like it could have some SERIOUS reliability issues involved - I mean how hard would it be for the computer to read you incorrectly and periodically leave you stranded when you aren't drunk at all or did have a couple drinks but are well within legal limitations?
Look... I'm all for installing something like this in repeat DUI offender cars... but for the general public? Come on...
Sometimes I wish the size of your brain was at least the size of your mouth...
It detects alcohol in your sweat. If you've been drinking excessively, your sweat will contain an accordingly measurable level of alcohol.
If you just went and worked out at the gym your sweat will be alcohol free, so no worries.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 143
Just like daylight driving lights, I dont like it. Too many electronic/computer systems in a car is bad. Its bound to screw up sometime. I hope this just stays in the development stage and never gets approved.
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,282
What it it allows you to drive (through some glitch or bad design) and you end up killing someone or yourself...who takes responsibility?
Who determines at what level you are too impared to drive? States have different levels.
Lawyers are going to love this one.....
One last question...how do alcoholic beverage manufacturer's escape product liablity lawsuits like the tobacco and firearm makers do???
Who determines at what level you are too impared to drive? States have different levels.
Lawyers are going to love this one.....
One last question...how do alcoholic beverage manufacturer's escape product liablity lawsuits like the tobacco and firearm makers do???
Last edited by Doug Harden; Jan 3, 2007 at 07:56 PM.
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Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,664
From: Brunswick, Maine 04011
I may not like the concept of "big brother", but booze and driving do not mix well on public roads. Toyota's job is to sell cars. Safety is a huge marketing factor and just the concept that Toyota is trying to build technology that will reduce driving under the influence will appeal to many people whether I agree with it or not.
I also do not care for headlights that turn on automatically with no factory option for disabling the feature. Same for all kinds of stuff. When I was young there were no seat belt warning beepers, you could start a vehicle without putting your foot on the brake... All you had to do was to hop in the car, pump the gas and turn the key.... If it was a standard and it was in gear it would jump back or ahead if you forgot to push the clutch...
Many of the new advancements are good but I also believe they make for more careless drivers in general.
I also do not care for headlights that turn on automatically with no factory option for disabling the feature. Same for all kinds of stuff. When I was young there were no seat belt warning beepers, you could start a vehicle without putting your foot on the brake... All you had to do was to hop in the car, pump the gas and turn the key.... If it was a standard and it was in gear it would jump back or ahead if you forgot to push the clutch...
Many of the new advancements are good but I also believe they make for more careless drivers in general.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,224
From: CNY
Parents will LOVE this technology.
1) The parents will buy their kids a Toyota to drive.
2) The kids will never know any other car besides a Toyota.
3) These kids (as they grow up) buy nothing but Toyota for the rest of their lives.
This will be either marketing genious or a total disaster. I'm hoping it's the latter.
1) The parents will buy their kids a Toyota to drive.
2) The kids will never know any other car besides a Toyota.
3) These kids (as they grow up) buy nothing but Toyota for the rest of their lives.
This will be either marketing genious or a total disaster. I'm hoping it's the latter.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,938
I may not like the concept of "big brother", but booze and driving do not mix well on public roads. Toyota's job is to sell cars. Safety is a huge marketing factor and just the concept that Toyota is trying to build technology that will reduce driving under the influence will appeal to many people whether I agree with it or not.
I also do not care for headlights that turn on automatically with no factory option for disabling the feature. Same for all kinds of stuff. When I was young there were no seat belt warning beepers, you could start a vehicle without putting your foot on the brake... All you had to do was to hop in the car, pump the gas and turn the key.... If it was a standard and it was in gear it would jump back or ahead if you forgot to push the clutch...
Many of the new advancements are good but I also believe they make for more careless drivers in general.
I also do not care for headlights that turn on automatically with no factory option for disabling the feature. Same for all kinds of stuff. When I was young there were no seat belt warning beepers, you could start a vehicle without putting your foot on the brake... All you had to do was to hop in the car, pump the gas and turn the key.... If it was a standard and it was in gear it would jump back or ahead if you forgot to push the clutch...
Many of the new advancements are good but I also believe they make for more careless drivers in general.
Technology can be very good but I’m getting very tired of car companies deciding for me that I’m too stupid to start my car without putting the trans in neutral, whether I can change lanes without signaling, when I should speed up/slow down and knowing exactly where I am at any given moment!
I’ve said it in other threads, if the government or the industry really want to do something about safety then how about spending some real money on REAL driver training instead of just teaching people how to park! The only emergency maneuver most drivers know today is to close their eyes and push on the brake as hard as possible and hope for the best.
Anybody who drinks and drives should pay a VERY big price for their stupidity but I’m not sure I’m ready for my car to make that decision for me.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 929
I have a lot of problems with some of the “advancements” being pushed on the car buying public today; some in the name of safety and some, simply for marketing purposes. I love technology but I like being able to turn my technology off and get away from now and then…whether it’s automatic headlights, my blackberry, my laptop, my XM radio or OnStar.
Technology can be very good but I’m getting very tired of car companies deciding for me that I’m too stupid to start my car without putting the trans in neutral, whether I can change lanes without signaling, when I should speed up/slow down and knowing exactly where I am at any given moment!
I’ve said it in other threads, if the government or the industry really want to do something about safety then how about spending some real money on REAL driver training instead of just teaching people how to park! The only emergency maneuver most drivers know today is to close their eyes and push on the brake as hard as possible and hope for the best.
Anybody who drinks and drives should pay a VERY big price for their stupidity but I’m not sure I’m ready for my car to make that decision for me.
Technology can be very good but I’m getting very tired of car companies deciding for me that I’m too stupid to start my car without putting the trans in neutral, whether I can change lanes without signaling, when I should speed up/slow down and knowing exactly where I am at any given moment!
I’ve said it in other threads, if the government or the industry really want to do something about safety then how about spending some real money on REAL driver training instead of just teaching people how to park! The only emergency maneuver most drivers know today is to close their eyes and push on the brake as hard as possible and hope for the best.
Anybody who drinks and drives should pay a VERY big price for their stupidity but I’m not sure I’m ready for my car to make that decision for me.
