The key to preventing drunk driving

Senior Saab executives and Swedish car-fleet and taxi operators are to participate in user trials for the Saab AlcoKey, an alcohol breath test unit which prevents people from driving over the limit.

The six-month user trial will involve about 100 cars. It is the final step in a two-year development program that has focused on miniaturising the unit to its current small size and maximising battery longevity.

Announcing the user trial program, in which he will take part as well, Saab Automobile Managing Director Jan-Åke Jonsson said: 'Car crashes and personal injuries due to drunk driving remain a great concern and Saab wants to do what it can to help prevent this.'

'We have listened to car-fleet operators in Sweden, particularly those running public or taxi services,' Jonsson said. 'They want to demonstrate their social responsibility and provide some public reassurance by giving drivers access to a device such as Saab's AlcoKey.'