Saab Begins Testing AlcoKey Breathalyzer System

At around this time last year, Saab announced a clever innovation that had the ability to reduce the rate of drinking and driving in automobiles:  the AlcoKey. The AlcoKey was a small-scale breathalyzer hooked that was linked to the cars ignition system. Since the announcement of the prototype, Saab has continued research and development of the system and is now ready to launch the AlcoKey in a test trial.

The AlcoKey is linked to the cars on-board security system and immobilizer. Before starting the vehicle, the driver must blow into the AlcoKeys breathalyzer for three seconds for the system to take a reading. Immediately the key will illuminate either a green light, which disarms the engine immobilizer via a wireless signal, or will flash a red-light, which shows that the car is still armed. From the time the all-clear signal is given, the driver has one minute to start the engine.

Though the new AlcoKey works on the same principles as the original, the system has been refined with a different design and technology. Where the original was skinny and long, the new one is bigger, but also flatter and wider, taking the form similar to a PDA. The new AlcoKey also comes with a cap to protect the mouthpiece where the driver provides his or her sample.

Saab has also advanced the key by making it more practical. Unlike the previous generation model, the new AlcoKey is rechargeable; its built-in battery can be recharged via a 12-volt outlet. The AlcoKeys transmitter has also been strengthened to transmit a signal from up to 32 feet away, allowing the driver to take the breath sample on the way to the vehicle in order to minimize any inconveniences. The AlcoKey is also able to function as a personal breathalyzer, allowing the driver to check his or her alcohol levels at any time.

And although the AlcoKey has a built-in temperature sensor enabling it to tell the difference between a human sample and that of an inanimate object such as a foot pump, or a pre-inflated balloon, the systems convenience features pay a price in terms of accuracy. Given that the transmitter works from such a great distance, as well as the one-minute timer for operation, the system could be defeated without too much difficulty by finding another person to provide a sample.

Despite this issue, the AlcoKey is still a step forward in the right direction towards the prevention of drinking and driving. Car manufacturers have put such great emphasis on safety, ensuring that its occupants will remain protected in a collision, or avoid an accident altogether, but Saab is amongst the first to take the human factor into consideration. The AlcoKey will begin its trial test shortly on 100 different government and taxi fleets. Saabs own executives will also be participating. Saab estimates that on a production car, the AlcoKey would retail for roughly 3,000 Swedish Kronors ($410) and could be fitted to any of its vehicles.