Driving while under the influence of alcohol may increase your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you are charged with DWI by a New York police officer, you may spend several hours or days in jail and risk having your vehicle impounded. Other penalties may apply if you are eventually convicted of the charge. However, advances in automotive technology may prevent motorists from operating their vehicles while impaired.
Regulatory changes are coming
Legislation passed in 2021 includes a requirement for all new passenger cars to come equipped with tools that prevent impaired drivers from operating them. There are several tools that are being developed to meet this goal such as a passive breathalyzer system that analyzes a driver’s breath in real-time. Instead of blowing into a tube, the tool can estimate a motorist’s blood alcohol level from wherever that person exhales. Other tools may be able to stop a vehicle that has already been started if they detect signs of impaired or erratic driving.
Regulatory changes were needed
Tools aimed at preventing drunk driving have long been ignored by consumers looking to minimize the final cost of their new vehicles. Therefore, they are rarely included in options packages that consumers can choose from. As they add to the cost of a car, it’s unlikely that they would be added as standard features for competitive reasons.
You may be required to use an IID
If you are convicted of DWI, you may be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of getting your license back. Such a tool works by preventing your car from starting if there is any alcohol in your breath. You may also be required to blow into the machine at regular intervals while driving.
In addition to jail time and a fine, you may lose your license if convicted of a DWI. This may impact your ability to find a job or retain your current employment. A conviction may also impede your ability to buy a home or complete your college education.