http://www.spectator.org/…

“Pre-emptive war” got us into a real mess in Iraq. So maybe we ought to think twice before adopting similar measures when it comes to traffic law. Specifically, when it comes to an idea floated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to require that all new cars be fitted with an ignition interlock that can detect alcohol in the driver’s system — and shut the car down if it does.

Several large automakers (including GM, Ford, Toyota and Honda) also support the idea — and are working on ways to get these things into new cars, maybe within the next two or three years, if not sooner.

The technology itself is pretty straightforward. Key fobs are being developed that will be capable of detecting blood-alcohol concentrations either through contact with a person’s skin or by sampling his breath. These are basically miniaturized, higher-tech versions of the interlocks some states already require convicted DWI offenders to install in their vehicles as a condition of being permitted to retain their driver’s license. The chief difference between the two is that the systems envisioned for the general public are what’s known in the car business as “passive” systems — meaning the driver doesn’t have to do anything consciously to be screened by the interlock. The court-mandated systems force the driver to blow into what amounts to an in-dash Breathalyzer before the engine will start.

So what’s the problem? They are not perfectly accurate and must be set within their margin of error. That margin of error is a “swing” of .02 percent BAC.

.02 swing error? That’s 25% of the .08 BAC. That’s highly unreliable. I am really not concerned with the addition of this feature… I’m more concerned with whether or not laws will be passed requiring this ‘feature’ or requiring it to be used. If you can’t turn it off or rip it out we are going to have some problems.

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