DRUNK? HOW 'BOUT A STEERING WHEEL THAT SAYS "NO GO!"?

The Lakeland Ledger ran an AP story this morning about a Fort Lauderdale man who has invented a steering wheel which includes skin sensors to measure the amount of alcohol content. If the driver has had a but much adult libation, it prevents the vehicle from starting or running.

Dennis Bellehumeur received a patent earlier this month for the device, which costs approximately $600 and was prompted by his son's crash in Ontario while driving under the influence in 1989. He says that the device should be finished testing by the end of this year, and State Representative Jack Seiler (D - Wilton Manors) is planning to present the device to his legislative collegues after testing is completed.

The device is installed in the steering wheel or on gloves which are worn by the driver. There is a two minute warning prior to shut-off, and the device is adjustable to adhere to a state's legal alcohol limit.

There has been a similar device on the market for over 30 years and has been mandated in a number of cases for drivers convicted of DUI, but it requires the driver to blow into an insturment which is connected to the vehicle's ignition system.

Congratulations and best wishes on continued success on this device. If it will help bring down the number of tragedies resulting from drunk driving, more power...