Researchers are working on a breath analyser-like device to be built into the car, which could prevent drivers from driving their car under the influence of alcohol.
Researchers from the University of Michigan (U-M) Injury Centre and and U-M Transportation Research Institute conducted the study to find out the impact of the alcohol ignition interlock devices on vehicles over the span of 15-years.
The researchers concluded that around 85% of crash deaths, and 1.25 million non-fatal injuries related to alcohol-involved driving, could be avoided during the 15-year implementation period.
It could also have major economic impact as; it could save the US society $343bn over 15 years.
U-M Department of Emergency Medicine assistant professor Dr. Patrick Carter said: "We knew our modeling would yield significant results, but the sheer numbers of preventable fatalities and serious injuries were surprising.
Our analysis clearly demonstrates the significant public health benefit and societal cost savings associated with including alcohol ignition interlock devices as standard equipment in all new cars."
Carter added: "By capitalising on recent technological advancements that make alcohol-detecting sensors seamless to the driver and applying such technology more broadly to all newly built vehicles, we can actually have a substantial injury prevention impact among traditionally hard-to-reach high-risk populations."
