BMW has applied for a patent for a technology that can prevent drunk drivers from driving their vehicles via Digital Keyapp.
According to the website Auto Blog is the idea that the digital key app, which is responsible for starting the car, can retrieve data from an alcohol meter connected to the smartphone.
If the driver refuses to take the test or cannot prove that the blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit, the car can be immobilized indefinitely.
To avoid the driver being left completely unaided, suggested BMW that the digital key app could still be used to unlock the doors and activate the infotainment and air conditioning systems, reducing the risk of an intoxicated user freezing or falling asleep outside while waiting for a taxi or ride.
This technology raises questions about how a person’s data might be used, and whether their alcohol test results will be recorded and possibly sold to insurance companies. It is worth remembering that GM was previously sued for having sold users’ data.
However, this patent also highlights that humans have proven time and time again that they cannot always be trusted to make safe choices. Therefore, if the German manufacturer’s idea can save some people’s lives, it can’t be all bad.
Photos: BMW. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
