New Law: Cars to Stop Impaired Drivers

0:00It's May 2nd. This is Canada News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey, with the story. A federal law from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, back in 2021, is set to change driving forever. It tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make sure all new cars come with tech that spots impaired drivers and takes control if needed, like stopping the vehicle. The plan targets late 2026 or 2027 for rollout, but the lays might happen if the tech isn't ready. Automakers and regulators are building systems with sensors and cameras that quietly watch your eyes, head movements, steering, and lane drifting too. Catch signs of trouble without any breath tests or driver input. Impair driving caused 11,904 deaths on U.S. roads last year, making this a big push to save lives. The rules will hit only new passenger vehicles, leaving older cars alone. If it detects impairment, the system might buzz alerts, cap your speed, or block the engine from starting.

1:04But privacy red flags are waving high, with no firm rules on how companies store or share that driving data, and report showing many already grab way. Too much personal info. As this tech rolls closer, expect more debates on balancing safety with our right to drive free, reshaping roads one sensor at a time.