Solving the Drunk Driving Problem?

Problem:  40% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve alcohol-impaired drivers.

Solution:  Make drivers prove sobriety (through breathalyzer) before the car will start.

Problem:  Though the solution exists and is used in many states for DUI/DWI offenders, there is no political appetite to put this tool - called Ignition Interlock - into every vehicle.

Solution:  Try logic.  If the device had been added 10 years ago and made it through most of the fleet of vehicles, we would be saving more than 10,000 lives per year in the U.S.

Problem: Logical arguments don't work.  Instead, many argue the potential downsides - what if there is an emergency?  What about people cheating the system?  What about my rights!?! I don't even drink!!

Solution:  Maybe incentives.  If you add interlock, your insurance premium will go down by 25%.  The insurance companies could likely make this change and still increase profits.

Thoughts?