Laser technology might replace traditional breathalyzers to detect drunk drivers on the road. Researchers in Poland developed a method by which blood-alcohol content through car windows using the special device.
The researchers at the Military University of Technology want to take some of the challenge out of law enforcement efforts to figure out whether a driver is drunk, tired or simply distracted. The laser detector works up to 20 meters, or 65.5 feet.
The technology reportedly works by measuring the reflection of laser beams from the vehicle window. An emitter and receiver combo unit sits at one end of the road while a mirror sits on the other. As cars pass, a laser beam is sent from the emitter through the car window and bounced off the mirror. It is reportedly sent at a wavelength that only alcohol vapors would be able to absorb, so the researchers claim. A loss of power in the beam means alcohol is present.
The method is called standoff detection and it has been used for more than detecting drunk drivers. The military uses a similar method to explosive and chemical weapons, as well as other hazards.
The system does have flaws, as reports indicate. For example, if a car window is open, the detection will not work. Driving with the air conditioning on in the car was also noted to throw off the results from the use of the device. Air turbulence was another factor considered to be an issue. There's also the problem of intoxicated passengers setting the vapor detection off, even if the driver had nothing to drink.
Researchers will need to explore what other variables might impact the accuracy of the device. It will also likely need to leave a smaller footprint for practical use among law enforcement.
It was also reported that window tint could provide a way to fool the machine. The findings of the research were published in the Journal of Applied Remote Sensing. The idea of adding a camera to the setup has also been proposed.
In the United States, officers must prove reasonable suspicion to pull over a motorist suspected of drunk driving. It is too early to tell if this device can meet that legal threshold.
