How’s my driving? Ask my car! Thanks to the ever-amazing world of technology available to us now, keeping tabs on a driver’s behavior behind the wheel is taking on a whole new significance.
As of this writing, two major vehicle insurance providers are utilizing data from auto industry telematics – that is, portable devices that can monitor driving habits. These devices plug into a car and provide information that can be collected remotely, about the vehicle (and driver’s) performance on the road.
These devices are, right now, completely voluntary, but drivers who elect to use them can earn discounts on their vehicle insurance. In addition to these plug-in devices, cell phone apps are also in use that can provide the same kind of information to insurers. So good drivers get discounts. No news there.
But let’s look at it from a different angle. Can these devices detect DUI or impaired driving? An ignition interlock device can. Right now, telematic devices can detect things such as speeding. And if they don’t already, perhaps someday they will be like flight recorders-the “black boxes” on airplanes, and record information about accidents as well, This information could be pertinent to DUI charges and convictions as well as to insurance companies, if they provide evidence of unsafe/impaired driving. Law enforcement already has many sophisticated tools at its disposal to help detect and prevent unsafe and impaired driving. These plug-in monitoring devices are some of the newest that could be added to the “arsenal,” so to speak.
My final point: Technology can now both help detect – and hopefully, help to prevent – impaired driving. But ultimately, it is the driver’s decision whether to climb behind the wheel after becoming intoxicated on drugs or alcohol. After that single decision is made, the next series of decisions may be made by others, and may not go so well for that driver, if s/he is stopped and charged with DUI.
As an experienced Arizona DUI attorney, I’m here to provide answers and legal guidance. If you, or someone you know, find you need help regarding a DUI situation, I encourage you to get in touch with Zachary Law Group. You may want to take advantage of our FREE 30-minute case evaluation. First thing we’ll do is look at your legal issue from every possible vantage point, and work toward the best possible solution. Bring your questions and concerns, and we’ll do our best to evaluate your situation and “Zach-It”! Simply give us a call at 1-855-Zach-law.
