The Alcoguard is a device which can be fitted on Volvo cars which prevents the engine being started until the driver passes a breath test. It’s a standard piece of equipment on Volvo-supplied taxis in Scandinavian countries and can be ordered as an option on any model in those markets. A small tube and some electronic wizardry is attached to the dashboard, and once the light turns green you’re good to go. An excellent way of preventing drink-driving.
Speaking to some Volvo executives earlier this week, it seems the technology will soon be old hat. They revealed to me they’re working on a system that can detect and accurately measure the amount of alcohol in your sweat. They say within five years small sensors will be fitted to the steering wheel and all the driver will need to do is push his thumb on it.
Volvo doesn’t offer the Alco-Lock on its UK range, though that situation is regularly reviewed. You can see the appeal of it, though; if you’re a fleet manager with dozens of company cars under your control, a breath test goes a long way to showing you take corporate responsibility very seriously. And what about parents buying their child a first car? “Yes son, you can have one, but on the condition it’s got an Alco-Lock fitted” Clever technology, and by all accounts, soon to get more so.
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