Child Solves Drunk Driving Problem
An elementary school student in Shanghai will no longer have to worry about his father drinking and driving after he invented a gadget which automatically cuts off the power once it “smells” alcohols in the car.
The gadget Zhou invented functions as an alcohol-monitoring machine, which will be fastened to the metre board in front of the driver’s seat.
The device continuously samples the air exhaled by the driver. Once the percentage of alcohol in the air reaches a risky level, the gadget, which connects to the electric circuit of the car, automatically and immediately cuts the power.
Zhou won a second-place prize at a national children’s invention competition for the device a few days ago.
A local automotive expert said Zhou’s invention was practical and should be introduced to the market soon.
By Sun Tzu on 30-11-2006
Comment by Heather
August 19th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
2nd place??? Should be 1st place…
Comment by LadyFaire
September 13th, 2007 at 8:14 am
1st Place? No. Nobel Peace Prize!! Or Metal of Honor equivalent from EVERY country in the WORLD! And required equipment in every car made.
Comment by Christie Jean
September 13th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Wait…let’s think about what will happen if the driver is in the midst of heavy, fast traffic when the car suddenly shuts off…leaving him without power brakes and without power steering. Hmmmm?
Maybe there need to be a few revisions to the plan!
Comment by sultan_azteca
June 28th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
That’s just what I thought. There is a similar device, I think someplace in Europe, where the driver, before turning the key to start the car, needs to blow into some alcohol detector. If it finds any hint of alcohol, the car will simply not start.
Comment by Digital Scales
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:58 am
Now wait a minute… why should every person have to take a breathalyzer before they start their car? I would be offended if I had to do that because I never drink and drive.