3G Phone Checks Drunk Drivers

According to an article in the local media, a cell-phone-enabled breath analyzer system developed by DoCoMo is proving popular among bus and transport companies. The new system, which uses a DoCoMo 3G handset, is designed to be foolproof. First, the driver makes a video-phone call to his or her company and breathes into the analyzer connected to their cell phone. The video image showing the driver blowing into the analyzer and data regarding the alcohol concentration on his or her breath are transmitted to the company and confirmed by computer there.

The 270,000-yen system includes 10 breath analyzers and software, while companies also must cough up for the computer and cell phones. DoCoMo started selling the system in late June. Inquiries have snowballed recently, with 15 companies already introducing the system and dozens more firms considering adopting it.

“We have received inquiries from many companies, including small and midsize firms,” an NTT DoCoMo official said. Continue >>.