MENU
SEARCHThe newly developed technology provides an alternative to current in-vehicle devices used to ensure past DUI offenders don’t drive under the influence.
Photos courtesy of Honda.
Photos courtesy of Honda.
Hitachi and a Honda Motor Co. research and development subsidiary have developed a prototype of a portable alcohol detection device that’s tamper-resistant and can be integrated into a smart key.
This device can detect saturated water vapor from human breath and accurately measure alcohol level within three seconds after a driver exhales onto the device, according to Honda.
Hitachi and Honda collaborated on developing the technology. The two companies also developed a system that can show the measured alcohol level on the vehicle’s display panel. This system can function as an ignition interlock to stop a vehicle’s engine from starting when the driver is under the influence of alcohol, Honda said.
The prototype has advantages over other ignition interlocks, according to Honda, because other systems require drivers to perform the breath test from the driver’s seat inside the vehicle. With the Hitachi/Honda device, drivers can measure their alcohol level from anywhere. Additionally, the Hitachi/Honda device can confirm that the applied gas is human exhaled breath and detect the level of alcohol at the same time.
Hitachi and Honda will present the technology next month at the SAE 2016 World Congress and Exhibit in Detroit.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
