All Vehicles Sold in the EU Must Be Able to Connect to a Breathalyzer

Since July 1, all vehicles sold within European Union it should have a standard, pre-installed feature that allows a breathalyzer lock to be added to the ignition system. This measure is part of a major strategy promoted by the EU to reduce deaths and injuries related to drunk driving by 50 percent by 2030.

This requirement falls under the Vision Zero program, which was launched by the European authorities more than five years ago, which aims to ending alcohol-related traffic deaths completely—or be as close to zero as possible—by the year 2050. This standard also corresponds to the time set in the General Safety Regulation of the EU, which establishes. specific deadlines for manufacturers to incorporate various aspects of safety into vehicle design, from the factory.

A law that will come into effect in July obliges automakers to make electrical connections and save space inside the car to allow the installation of an “alcolock” device. The device must comply with the European standard EN 50436 for Alcohol Ignition Interlocks and have a certificate issued by an authorized body.

The alcolock function it’s simple. Before driving, the driver must blow into the device, which measures the level of alcohol present in the air. If the result exceeds the acceptable limit, the system, which is connected to the car’s ignition or start system, automatically closes the circuit and prevents the car from starting.

This type of technology already works in several European countries, mainly as part of programs aimed at recidivism or in other areas of professional management. Government figures estimate that its implementation could reduce alcohol-related deaths by 65 percent.

Since 2018, the European Union road safety program has integrated various technologies to promote safe driving. By 2024, new cars will include an intelligent speed limiter, a system that detects legal limits using cameras or GPS and notifies the driver when they cross the limit.

In addition, there is an automatic lane keeping assistant, capable of correcting a lane if the vehicle deviates without prior warning. Also notable is the data recorder, known as the “black box,” which stores key information during the game. seconds before the crash to lead law enforcement and road safety investigations.

Recently, a requirement was added to include the brake light, a system that, in the event of an emergency, turns on the rear lights to warn other drivers to slow down and avoid collisions.

The responsibility for establishing the air quality on board is the final step in these safety measures. From the first day of July, no vehicle will be allowed to leave the EU without complying with all these requirements.

This article was originally published by WIRED in Spanish and translated from Spanish.