Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF), the Australian technology group, has unveiled a new feature for its driver monitoring systems that can spot when motorists are drunk behind the wheel.
The company, whose software is already installed in more than 3.7 million cars and 60,000 lorries, said the upgrade could detect alcohol impairment at blood alcohol content levels of 0.05 and above, with the greatest accuracy once drivers reached 0.10 or higher. That is well above the legal drink-drive limit in most jurisdictions.
Dr Mike Lenné, chief safety officer at Seeing Machines, said: “Mitigating risks of drunk driving is now a policy decision, not a technological one.”
The launch comes as the European Union prepares to tighten vehicle safety rules. From 2026, new cars sold in Europe must include technology that identifies both fatigue and alcohol impairment. US lawmakers are also considering similar requirements.
The system builds on existing technology used in advanced driver-assistance systems such as Ford’s BlueCruise and General Motors’ Super Cruise. These systems track a driver’s eyes and head position to ensure they remain alert when driving hands-free.
Seeing Machines has proposed a three-stage roadmap for rolling out alcohol detection: warning the driver, alerting vehicle safety systems, and ultimately restricting a car’s speed or capabilities if impairment is confirmed.
The company will demonstrate the technology today at an event in Washington DC hosted by Mothers Against Drink Driving, which is marking its 45th anniversary.
Founded in 2000, Seeing Machines specialises in vision-based monitoring systems and works with some of the world’s largest carmakers. It said adding alcohol detection to its existing product would broaden its role in reducing road deaths and injuries.