Australian cars could soon be fitted with technology that 'sniffs' out alcohol
Australian cars fitted with an advanced sensor that 'sniffs' alcohol in the air will make it impossible to drink and drive in a matter of years.
Victorian trucks and cars will be among the first to roll out the game-changing technology – which experts say will save thousands of lives.
The ultimate breath test is instantaneous, taking less than one second to detect whether the driver has had too much to drink.
The technology's orange sensors can pick up blood alcohol levels before the car is even started.
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The new technology that will be able to "sniff" alcohol. 9News
"You enter your car, you're breathing, and it is passively detecting your breath," TAC CEO Joe Calafiore told 9News.
The passive alcohol sensor draws in the driver's exhaled breath, with infrared light beams measuring the amount of carbon dioxide and alcohol molecules.
If more than the permitted concentration is detected, the car will not move.
"It's also unobtrusive, it's contactless and it's got very important hygienic benefits as well," Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said.
Developers say the technology is more precise than existing interlocks and breathalysers and can even distinguish between a driver and a passenger.
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The passive alcohol sensor draws in the driver's exhaled breath, with infrared light beams measuring the amount of carbon dioxide and alcohol molecules. 9News
Between January and September this year, 25 deaths have been caused by drink drivers - which makes up almost a fifth of Victoria's road toll.
The figure is up 32 per cent during the same period in 2019.
Victoria Police has seen an eight per cent increase in non-fatal collisions caused by drivers under the influence.
On average, about 5000 motorists are caught over the limit every year - most of them returning a mid-range reading.
"And there's a hidden road toll of the thousands of serious injuries," Mr Calafiore said.
Victoria is the only jurisdiction outside the US to trial the technology.
Road safety experts will test the car in the coming months.
Some of Australia's biggest tech and transport companies are ready to roll it out in fleets and heavy vehicles as soon as it's given the green light.
"This is a very realistic proposition in really only a matter of years," Mr Carroll said.
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