Cellular Breathalyzer for Japanese Cabbies

Yesterday Gadget Lab showed us a Bluetooth bone conduction device from NTT DoCoMo. Now the Register tells how Japanese transportation companies use NTT DoCoMo technology to keep drunk drivers from starting their shifts:

The system from NTT DoCoMo uses an alcohol breath analyser that sends data to a service centre rather than one that can immobolise a vehicle by connecting directly to its ignition system. Drivers starting their shifts make a video call to their firm's service centre before taking a test. A software package that forms part of the system confirms a driver's identity before a test is made. Altogether the technology costs around $2,000 per seat.

Fifty Japanese taxi and bus companies have jumped on board since its introduction in September 2006. Why? To avoid liability, explains an NTT DoCoMo marketeer: The system is prima facie proof that the customer has "procedures in place to combat drunk driving."

[Source: The Register]