BMW Might Lastly Do What Auto Business Has Wanted For Many years

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BMW has filed a patent that could possibly be an enormous deal. Although, it could should be carried out, and it could additionally want shopper buy-in.

Right here’s a surprising statistic for you: Roughly 30% of deaths attributable to site visitors accidents within the US annually contain drunk drivers. That was 12,429 deaths in 2023. Fines, jail time, PSA campaigns … nothing has executed away with this downside. Nonetheless, BMW could have an answer. (I’m not very assured on this, for causes I’ll clarify in a minute, however it ought to assist to some extent if carried out.)

BMW has filed a global patent centered on figuring out if an individual has had an excessive amount of to drink and shouldn’t be driving, after which gained’t allow them to drive if that’s the case. What the patent describes is a breathalyzer linked to a digital key (smartphone/good watch, like Tesla drivers use), and if the motive force doesn’t cross the breathalyzer check, the automotive will allow them to function the AC/heating and infotainment however not drive.

I don’t know rather a lot about the issue, however I think about a number of drunk drivers suppose they’ve “simply had a drink or two” and are advantageous to drive, whereas others are effectively conscious they shouldn’t be driving however do anyway. In both case, although, how willingly will folks purchase a product that’s going to restrict their potential to drive? Would this truly promote? Additionally, would there be methods round it — may the motive force make their child blow into the breathalyzer or discover out one other option to cheat the system? I assume even when that was the case, although, it could nonetheless restrict some of the drunk drivers on the street. I nonetheless simply have a tough time believing a number of BMW consumers will need to embrace this of their automotive. Hopefully I’ll be confirmed unsuitable.

There’s one different matter that’s been introduced up — information privateness considerations. Might BMW promote information on this to insurance coverage firms or different third events.

I don’t know. What do you suppose — may this make a giant distinction and save a number of lives? Nicely, even when it solely saved one life, it could be price it, so I’m in help of the thought. I’m simply involved individuals who want it could keep away from adopting it.