Drunk driving kills around 10,000 people per year, according to the NHTSA, making up about one-third of traffic fatalities. While convicted drunk drivers must install a breathalyzer to an ignition interlock, most cars and trucks don’t contain these devices by default. But that could change with the passing of President Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill.
This article will look at the new legislation and how Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC: BLOZF) aims to capitalize on it with its recent patent filing.
New Legislation Falls on Automakers
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set new safety standards within three years for impaired driving safety equipment on all new vehicles. While the government is still evaluating new technologies, conventional breathalyzers are impractical for everyday use.
Sam Abuelsamid, a Principal Mobility Analyst for Guidehouse Insights, told NPR that a possible solution might be infrared cameras that monitor driver behavior. Automakers like General Motors and Nissan already use these technologies to track driver attentiveness while using partially-automated driver-assist systems.
Of course, many people may be hesitant to purchase vehicles with driver-facing cameras for privacy reasons. These systems may also introduce a lot of technical complexity when supply chain issues continue to plague the auto industry. As a result, automakers are looking elsewhere for unique technological approaches to solve the problem.
Cannabix Offers a Unique Solution
Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC: BLOZF) has been researching and building THC breath detection technology for years. Since THC is much harder to detect than alcohol, the company is leveraging its deep knowledge in breath detection to create a new contactless alcohol breathalyzer for the vehicle cabin and other potential applications.
After the drunk driving legislation passed last year, the company began receiving inquiries from automakers and applied its existing technology to create a contactless alcohol breath detection prototype for vehicles. In recent weeks, the company also entered into a non-disclosure agreement with a Tier 1 global automotive parts manufacturer.
Rather than breathing into a straw, the technology would enable drivers to direct a breath sample toward a small orifice integrated into the cabin of any vehicle—in an entirely contactless manner.
Looking Ahead
Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC: BLOZF) has already filed a provisional patent on its prototype and is strongly focused on the development of its portable and lab cannabis breathalyzer tools. While the team is quick to note that the device remains experimental and it has no contracts in place, the rapid prototype and NDA are positive signs.
At the same time, the company recently released Version 4.0 of its THC breathalyzer and continues to make progress toward its commercialization. The focus on THC and niche alcohol detection applications, helps diversify its exposure to different markets, and could offer investors a compelling opportunity to capitalize on rapidly growing markets.
Disclaimer
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