According to Toyota Motor, the company is currently developing anti-drunk driving (DUI) equipment that would lock a vehicle’s ignition if high levels of alcohol are detected in the driver.
The company said the system would feature a hand-held breathalyzer, equipped with a digital camera, which detects alcohol consumption and photographs the driver’s face for identification.
Toyota says that upon a positive test, the system would either warn the driver, or lock the ignition, depending on the level of alcohol detected.
Currently the automaker is conducting tests with affiliate truck maker Hino Motors and plans to install the equipment in selected trucks and other vehicles of fleet customers, including companies and government organizations.
The company says the device would alert fleet administrators if the driver is detected with excessive alcohol levels.
Currently, Nissan Motor is also developing equipment similar to the equipment Toyota is designing. Earlier this year, several U.S. state passed legislation requiring that drivers convicted of DUI install breathalyzer ignition locks in their vehicles.
