Unfit Drivers Face Lock-out

Feeling unwell or tired? Taken prescription or even recreational drugs? A new dashboard device will stop you in your tracks and prevent you from driving your car. The gadget tests a person's mental abilities, and switches off the engine if it senses that their judgment and co-ordination aren't up to scratch.

Auto Express Car Reviews

17th March 2005

It looks like a pocket calculator and is wired into the ignition circuit. Before the driver can start the vehicle, they must watch the LCD screen, which asks them to enter a sequence of numbers within five seconds. It can also get them to operate controls such as the clutch and indicators in a certain order. If they complete the task correctly, the car will fire up. But if they make a mistake, they may be asked to try a new exercise. The engine will not start if they fail repeatedly.

To stop passengers completing the tests on behalf of the driver, the gadget can set a new test every time the vehicle comes to a standstill, such as at red lights and junctions.

Invented by Sonny Persson, of Karlskoga, Sweden, the device has been dubbed the 'drug-o-lock'. It follows on from the 'alco-o-lock' system, which prevents drunks starting their motor if they fail an in-car breath test.