Researchers in Massachusetts have come up with an innovative technology that can prevent drunk driving, and lead to fewer road accidents due to drunk driving. The concept is simple. If the driver is detected to be drunk, the car won’t start. How, you may ask.

Well, the Driver Alcohol Detection System detects the driver’s alcohol content in their bloods via two techniques. Firstly, it can analyze the breath of drivers and if it finds trace of alcohol, the car would not start. Another method is to analyze the skin of the drivers, through sensors placed on steering wheel or doors. The threshold is 0.08, beyond which the car will not start.

A similar system is in place for convicted drunk drivers, which is the alcohol ignition inter-lock system. But researchers say that this system will be an improved version and will be less obstrusive.

The US Transportation Secretary, Ray Lahood told AP that this technology is “another arrow in our automotive safety quiver.” He also said that this technology wouldn’t be necessary, but will be optional for car manufacturers in the future.

The research has been funded by NHTSA and Automative Coalition for Traffic Safety.