A BMW has filed a patent for a technology that can prevent drunk drivers from a Digital Key drive their vehicles through the app.
The Auto Blog the idea is that the digital key app responsible for starting the car could access data from a breathalyzer connected to a smartphone.
If the driver refuses to take the test or can’t prove his blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, the car can be immobilized indefinitely.
In order to ensure that the driver is not completely without help, a BMW suggested that the digital key app could still be used to open doors, activate infotainment and climate systems, reducing the chance 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 could be used and whether alcohol test results would be recorded and potentially sold to insurance companies. It is worth mentioning that the GMwas previously sued for selling user data.
However, this patent also highlights that humans have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot always be trusted to make safe decisions. Therefore, if the German manufacturer’s idea can save a few people’s lives, it can’t be all bad.
Photos: BMW. This content is created using AI and verified by the editorial team.
