On July 30, 2019, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) announced it is partnering with Silicon Valley-Based Velodyne Lidar, Inc., a leader in 3-D perception systems which are used “…in a variety of commercial applications, including autonomous vehicles.”

According to a MADD press release, the purpose of the partnership is to educate the public on the safety benefits of autonomous vehicle technology. MADD and Velodyne Lidar are participating in the second annual World Safety Summit on Autonomous Technology in Santa Clara, California on October 2, 2019.

“For almost 40 years, MADD has worked to change behaviors and attitudes toward drunk driving, with a great deal of success. But we have learned that technology is essential to getting us to our goal of zero deaths caused by drunk driving,” said MADD National President Helen Witty. “Autonomous vehicle technology holds the incredible promise of helping us eliminate drunk driving. That’s why we are so excited to partner with Velodyne.”

Every 48 minutes someone dies because of drunk driving. MADD has been working to “eradicate this crime through four key elements that include supporting high visibility law enforcement, ignition interlocks, support for advanced vehicle technology, and building public support.”

According to Smarterware.org, there is some technology available to make it more difficult to drive while under the influence of alcohol, which include:

Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS)

DADSS is the result of a $10 million initiative to make roads safer. It is an on-board system that can detect alcohol on a person’s breath before he/she turns on the vehicle. In order to operate the vehicle, the driver must pass a two-step sobriety text.

Ridesharing Apps

There are many smart phone apps to download which are designed to protect others from drunk drivers. According to Smarterware.org, here are some of the apps:

Alcohoot: Turns a smart phone into a breathalyzer.

DrinkTracker for iOS: An accurate estimator to help calculate blood alcohol concentration.

AlcoDroid for Android: The same tool as DrinkTracker, but for Androids.

Endui: An all-inclusive app with blood alcohol calculator, taxi numbers, contact list, and reflex games to determine whether a driver is safe to drive.

Have a Plan: A tool to collect names, numbers, and services to call when someone needs a ride after a night out.

“MADD’s partnership to investigate uses of new technology to end drunk-driving is welcomed. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have seen the devastation caused by drunk and/or drugged driving.  We are available 24/7 to assist clients,” said Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney Randall Spivey. 

Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.