Volvo’s New Car Can Sense If You’re Drunk Or Texting—And Refuse To Drive

Roads will not be entirely safe as long as drivers’ eyes are not focused on them. As such, Volvo wants to take matters into its own hands and create an EV that can sense if one is driving under the influence.
 
The EX90 SUV will not only be able to tell if its owner is drunk—or impaired in any other way—but will also be able to stop the car entirely. 
 
According to Volvo, the company has installed driver understanding into its electric lineup to keep roads safe from reckless driving. This system utilizes light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors. One sensor will be placed on the EV’s exterior to look for on-road obstacles. In addition, two more will be positioned within the vehicle to monitor the motorist’s condition.

These sensors will detect the driver’s eye movement to determine if they are fit enough to drive. As per Volvo, it can observe where the person is looking and how long their eyes are closed. Different eye patterns will indicate different levels of awareness of the car. 

For example, if a driver is not looking at the road enough, they could be focused on texting instead. And if they are looking at the road a little too much, they could be spaced out. 

Should the driver be too drunk, sleepy, distracted, or under the influence of drugs, the car will issue a series of warnings for its owner to stop. If not reciprocated, the vehicle will begin to slow down until it comes to a complete halt. In addition, the EV’s hazard lights will alert others of its stopping. 

The EX90 is set to hit roads in November of this year. Time will reveal if such technologies are enough to steer road safety in the right direction.

[via Futurism and Volvo, Opening image via Syda Productions | Dreamstime.com]