Volvo develops breathalyser lock

Volvo has released details of two new safety concepts designed to help prevent drink-driving and speed-related accidents.

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Volvo has released details of two new safety concepts designed to help prevent drink-driving and speed-related accidents.

The first is a breathalyser integrated into the car's seatbelt buckle. Before buckling up, the driver must blow into the breathalyser, which lights up green for a pass and red for a fail. For the car to start, the driver must be wearing the seatbelt, and have passed the breathalyser test.

Ingrid Skogsmo, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Sweden, said: 'About 10,000 people a year die in alcohol-related road accidents in Europe. In addition, many car accidents also result in serious personal injuries because drivers or passengers fail to wear their seatbelts, which is why we are working on a "breathalyser lock" to try to prevent these unnecessary accidents.'

The other concept is an ignition key that can be programmed to limit the car's top speed. Volvo says the device is aimed at younger, or inexperienced drivers, who are more likely to be involved in speed-related accidents. More pertinently, parents could find it offers peace of mind when their children borrow the car.

Volvo plans to gauge public and industry reactions to the safety concepts before confirming whether they will go into production cars.