NHTSA funds development of alcohol-measuring start button

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded Takata-TruTouch some $2.25 million to continue to develop its In-Vehicle Alcohol Detection test, the company said.

Takata, a safety and technology company, and TruTouch have created a vehicle start button with an integrated infrared sensor that can measure your blood-alcohol content. If the reading exceeds legal limits, the system can disable the starter.

As the technology advances, it could help eliminate drunken driving, according to TruTouch. The system could be a reality within a decade.

"Together with Takata, our mission is to help eliminate alcohol-impaired dangers on the road," said Richard Gill, president and CEO of TruTouch. "This NHTSA award will help expedite the work to adapt the technology for use in automotive applications."

The device produces accurate results in seconds, according to the company, and has a biometric system to prevent tampering. The system is more accurate--96 percent--than the breath test administered by police, according to the company.

By Jake Lingeman