The Alcolock, the Alco-Detector, so many breathalyzers being built into so many devices these days, it’s almost enough to make us wonder whether or not everyone is always functionally drunk, and we’re just too sober and oblivious to know it. Now Saab’s getting on the wagon (the bandwagon, if you will) with their Alcokey, which will add $400 to the pricetag of your car and will not disarm an integrated engine immobilizer unless you can breathe good and sober into the device pictured. It’s being trialed first in Saab’s home country of Sweden, so maybe they’re also taking on opportunity to make a statement about a little too much Absolut sippy sippy going on this bitter Winter. Or maybe they’re just being progressive, socially conscious Europeans. You know, either way.
As the UK Government launches its Road Safety Bill 2005, which includes research into Alcohol Ignition Interlock Programmes (AIIPs), Saab Automobile – traditionally one step ahead of the game – is currently striding ahead with the technology in its domestic market of Sweden.
The UK Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) has just released details of its Road Safety Bill 2005, which allows for the future use of Alcohol Ignition Interlock Programmes (AIIPs). The DfT notes that previous research and experience from around the world ‘have shown that these are effective in discouraging re-offending [of drink driving]‘.
Saab Automobile AB is now taking the next step in the development of the intelligent Alcokey it introduced in concept form in autumn 2004. Financed in part by grants from the National Swedish Road Administration’s sign fund, Saab is commencing wide-ranging field trials involving both private customers and trucking firms, with a view to launching the finished device on the Swedish market as an optional extra within two years. The technology could then become available in the UK.
A perfect example of the type of Swedish design that categorises the Saab brand, Saab’s Alcokey is avant-garde in its existence yet simple in its functionality. Users of the Alcokey must breathe into a small mouthpiece in the car’s key fob, which is fitted with a breathalyser. A transponder communicates with the car’s electronic control unit, immobilising the engine if a driver’s breath sample is found to contain alcohol above the permitted level.