U.S. auto-safety regulators said Tuesday they have started the process that will eventually force carmakers to adopt new technology to prevent drunk drivers from starting vehicles. In 2021, Congress directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mandate a deactivation technology to prevent more than 10,000 road deaths annually. If the technology is ready, the law requires a technology safety standard by November 2024. Tess Rowland, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), said the group is “very pleased” with NHTSA's launch. “Victims and survivors will not let this die.”In 2021, according to the most recent data available, 13,384 people died in traffic deaths due to drunk driving.

Source: The Guardian December 13, 2023 04:22 UTC