A portable alcohol breathalyzer prototype that is tamper-resistant and can be integrated into a smart key has just been successfully developed by Honda and Hitachi.
Non-law enforcement alcohol-detection technology has been around for a while already but this latest gizmo from Honda is simple portable and can be integrated into daily use.
The device is capable of distinctively detecting the saturated water vapor from human breath and can accurately measure alcohol levels within 3 seconds, triggering an ignition interlock to stop the vehicle from starting its engine when it detects a driver under the influence of alcohol. A system that can show the alcohol level measured by the detector on the vehicle’s display panel has also been developed.
Unlike other similar systems, Honda and Hitachi’s solution doesn’t require the driver to perform the test from the driver seat but can do so even outside the vehicle. To top it off, the tech is able to recognize weather conditions and whether the applied air is actual human exhaled breath by detecting the saturated water vapors with a high degree of sensitivity.
Source Carscoops