Solving the Problem
8A – Solving the
Problem
Problem
According to the “Every day, CDC 29 people in the U.S die in
motor vehicle crashes involve an alcohol-impaired driver.” This statistic is
alarming. Every day people are putting their lives and other lives at risk by
getting behind the wheel drunk. There are many laws in place to try to stop
this epidemic, and apps such as Uber and Lyft have certainly lessened the
problem, but not enough. Many people are still getting behind the wheel drunk and
hurting themselves and others. This problem exists because there is not an
easily accessible and affordable physical barrier, such as a key lock, to stop
the driver from driving drunk.
Solution
My solution to this problem is a commercial Breathalyzer
Lock System. Currently there are a few products like this available, but they require
a professional to install and most are issued by states after DUIs/DWIs. This
product would require the driver to breathe through the breathalyzer before
being able to start the car. This is just the basic concept, there are many
other features that could be added on, such as a timer that would only turn the
product on at certain times in the day. Before doing extensive research I was
unaware that a product like this already existed, which means it is terribly
marketed. Moving forward I have to think about who/where I want to sell this product.
I have thought about putting the product directly in stores, but then I had the
idea of talking to car manufacturers about having the product directly
installed to cars. I think the later idea would do well, car companies are always
concerned about their safety rankings on their cars, and a product like such
would be a great way to boost rankings.
Rebecca, your solution is applicable to college students and adults alike. I did not know a product like this already existed, but I agree that there is room for growth since it is not a known/common product among people who consume alcohol. Would there be a way to turn on the breathalyzer before you consume alcohol so the system knows when it is needed (vs. breathing into the breathalyzer every time you get into your car)? I think working with a car company to build it into cars can promote safety and is very beneficial, but could there also be a portable system that works with any cars people already own?
ReplyDeleteThis product idea is very interesting and has the potential to save a lot of lives. Although I think this is a great idea and way to prevent drunk driving accidents, I do not see this concept as realistic right now. Forcing people to put these products in their car will be difficult, even though it is aimed at protecting them. The concept you came up with though was well thought out and thoroughly described.
ReplyDeleteRebecca,
ReplyDeleteYou are onto something special with this idea. Drunk driving is an epidemic that has been around ever since the development of automotive vehicles, and a breathalyzer test that can be installed in cars is genius. Even though you did not invent this idea, I agree with your point that these breathalyzer products are too difficult to install. Also, the companies that offer such services definitely market this poorly since I've never heard of this either. The one thing I may tweak about the idea is to come up with a breathalyzing device that is easy to install instead of have carmakers install it themselves. This would be very costly for carmakers and I think it is unlikely that they will make cars with these breathalyzers already installed.
Hey Rebecca, great job on the assignment. I think its great you've found an opportunity that can solve a problem as well as save lives. A large problem will be making a deal with the big car companies because although this would help with how safe the car is it would only be purchased from somebody who has a loved one they are trying to protect like fathers or even sons of fathers who may drink too much. Also every person that purchases thier own car would most likely not consider purchasing a car with this feature, because its a hassle for people that do not drink and drive.
ReplyDelete