A National Effort to Save Thousands of Lives

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) has launched the Driven to Protect Washington initiative, a pioneering effort to eradicate drunk driving through advanced in-vehicle alcohol detection technology. This national initiative marks the fourth state to join a public-private partnership aimed at developing and deploying the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS).

The DADSS system uses infrared light to analyze a driver’s naturally exhaled breath and determine whether alcohol is present. The technology is designed to distinguish between the driver and passengers, providing accurate and reliable results without requiring the driver to blow into a mouthpiece. The system’s creators aim to make it as seamless as existing safety features like lane departure and emergency braking systems.

According to the WTSC, alcohol-related traffic deaths in Washington State have increased by 91% over the past decade. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the United States, claiming over 10,000 lives each year. In Washington State alone, 27% of all roadway fatalities in 2023 involved an alcohol-impaired driver, resulting in 216 lives lost. This staggering statistic underscores the need for innovative solutions to combat drunk driving.

As part of the Driven to Protect initiative, the Washington State Department of Transportation will install the DADSS technology in three fleet vehicles. This will provide valuable data on the system’s performance under various conditions, including weather and road conditions, to improve the technology for future deployment in passenger vehicles. The data collected will help refine the system’s algorithms and ensure its effectiveness in preventing drunk driving.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to build a culture of protection for every neighborhood, every family, and every road user in the state. WTSC Director Shelly Baldwin emphasized that the technology is not just about preventing drunk driving, but also about saving lives and promoting a safer community.

“The goal of Driven to Protect is to create a future where no one has to lose a loved one to drunk driving,” Baldwin said. “We believe that with the right technology and education, we can make our roads safer for everyone.”

The Driven to Protect initiative has sparked hope for a future where the number of drunk driving fatalities is significantly reduced. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, it is clear that Washington State is at the forefront of a national effort to make roads safer for everyone.

Key Components of the Driven to Protect Initiative:

Advanced in-vehicle alcohol detection technology using infrared light

DADSS system designed to distinguish between driver and passengers

Seamless integration with existing safety features

Data collection and analysis to refine system algorithms

Education and outreach efforts to promote a culture of protection

Partnerships and Collaborations:

Public-private partnership with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Collaboration with participating states and organizations to accelerate the development of alcohol detection systems

Future Directions:

Continued refinement and improvement of the DADSS technology

Expansion of the initiative to include more states and organizations

Education and outreach efforts to promote a culture of protection and prevent drunk driving