Saab's New Alcokey Could Save Up to Thirty-Two Percent of Canadian Lives

If the green LED lights up, the Alcokey transmits an "all clear" signal to the car's electrical systems allowing it to be started

The program which controls the Alcokey system can be altered to suit the drunk-driving laws where the vehicle is registered. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

and driven, however, if the red LED lights up, the Alcokey transmits a secondary signal to the car's internal electronics which continue immobilization. The program which controls the Alcokey system can be altered to suit the drunk-driving laws where the vehicle is registered. It is also possible that Saab may consider adding an additional function which allows fleet services that issue vehicles equipped with the Alcokey to apply customized limits to discourage driving under any influence of alcohol.

Currently Saab is testing the Alcokey for its reliability, durability and accuracy, but the Swedish arm of General Motors has several other issues that it is also researching. One problem that many test subjects are finding is that the separate key fob, measuring ten centimeters (3.9 inches) long and four centimeters (1.6 inches) wide is too large and cumbersome to carry in addition to the

Saab believes Alcokey will be a relatively inexpensive alternative to costly fixed apparatuses, priced at an approximate 250 euros ($308 USD; $391 CAD). (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

standard key fob. Another more serious concern is that the Alcokey is easily fooled: a drunk driver could bypass the system by having a sober friend provide a breath sample to the keyfob.

Nevertheless, Peter Augustsson, president and CEO of Saab Automobile is enthused at the progress and development of the Alcokey as a counter-solution to drunk driving. He commented, "As a car manufacturer, Saab is keen to do what it can to help prevent such behavior. [Alcokey] will help those who want to be sure they should only get behind the wheel when they are fit to drive."

Once development of the Alcokey is complete, Saab believes that it will be a relatively inexpensive alternative to costly fixed apparatuses, priced at an approximate 250 euros ($308 USD; $391 CAD), or roughly one-tenth the cost of a fixed system installed inside a vehicle.