Toyota developing anti-drunk driving gadget

Tokyo, JAPAN : Toyota Motors engineer Takeshi Sasuga blows into a hand-held breathalyzer and camera unit during a press preview by Toyota Motors on their breath-alcohol ignition-interlock system in Tokyo on August 31, 2009. Toyota and Hino Motors announced on August 31 that they have begun joint test on the ignition-interlock system to be installed on selected trucks and other vehicles from Japanese transport companies from September 1 to November 30. It was reported in May that the government would require transport companies to test drivers on their sobriety from next year. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA

September 1, 2009
TOKYO (AFP) - Toyota Motor said Monday it was developing anti-drunk driving equipment that would lock the ignition of a vehicle if high levels of alcohol are detected in the driver.

The system features a hand-held breathalyser, equipped with a digital camera, that detects alcohol consumption and photographs the driver's face for identification, a company statement said.

If the driver tests positive, the system either warns him or her, or locks the vehicle's ignition depending on the level of alcohol detected, Toyota said.

Tokyo, JAPAN : A hand-held breathalyzer and camera unit is displayed during a press preview by Toyota Motors on their breath-alcohol ignition-interlock system in Tokyo on August 31, 2009. Toyota and Hino Motors announced on August 31 that they have begun joint test on the ignition-interlock system to be installed on selected trucks and other vehicles from Japanese transport companies from September 1 to November 30. It was reported in May that the government would require transport companies to test drivers on their sobriety from next year. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA

The carmaker is conducting tests with affiliate truck maker Hino Motors, and will install the equipment in selected trucks and other vehicles of fleet customers that include companies and government organisations.

The device will alert fleet administrators if the driver is detected with excessive alcohol levels, Toyota said.

Nissan Motor is currently developing similar equipment. In the United States, certain states earlier this year passed legislation requiring drunk driving offenders to install breathalyser ignition locks in their cars.