Apple Is Said to Be Rethinking Strategy on Self-Driving Cars

Re:Apple Is Said to Be Rethinking Strategy on Self-Driving Cars by semi-extrinsic on Saturday September 10, 2016 @04:50AM (#12468345)

As I said in the comments above, the single most effective measure for reducing accidents would be checking for alcohol- or drug-influenced drivers. Those cause much more accidents than mechanical failures.

Yet even though "alcohol-locks" have been mature tech for five years, no car manufacturer nor politician dares to make it default, simply because there would be public outrage.

Also, stuff like brake pads or tires completely worn down already comes with basic safety features: both will cause the car to make relatively loud, screeching/rumbling ominous noises.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Apple Is Said to Be Rethinking Strategy on Self-Driving Cars by frenchy on Saturday September 10, 2016 @12:47PM (#12469951)

As a person who almost never drinks alcohol (that stuff tastes nasty) an alcohol-lock would just be a big annoyance.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Apple Is Said to Be Rethinking Strategy on Self-Driving Cars by semi-extrinsic on Saturday September 10, 2016 @01:08PM (#12470033)

Well, current-gen tech is. But an AI/camera based version that quickly checks your pupil dilation when you put the engine in gear could work just fine. It could also catch drugs other than alcohol.

Or you could do near-infrared spectroscopy built into the gear lever (this is already being pushed by the NHTSA, and will probably be in cars in a few years).

Or it could even have a selective alcohol-lock using current-gen tech that only triggers a check if alcohol is detected in the air circulating in the car.

[ Parent | on HN ]