Toyota Tests Breathalyzer Technology in 30 Commercial Vehicles
After a driver blows into the Toyota breathalyzer and it is determined that he/she is too intoxicated to drive, the vehicle's ignition locks.
With the goal to give transportation and delivery companies better control of their fleets, Toyota Motor Co. is will introduce breathalyzer technology in its commercial vehicles, reports AutoWeek.
The breathalyzer technology, which was developed jointly with Toyota's truck subsidiary, Hino Motors Ltd., is mounted on the instrument panel of a truck and is about the size of a cell phone. It combines an alcohol detection sensor and a digital camera.
When a driver blows into the sensor, the camera takes a photo of the test-takers face. Then, if the sensor determines the driver has had too much to drink, the driver is either warned or the vehicle's ignition locks. The system then contacts the fleet administrator.
Additionally, the camera allows the administrator to determine if the test-taker is the authorized driver of the vehicle.
Currently, the company is running road tests involving 30 commercial vehicles. There are no plans at this time to introduce the technology in passenger vehicles.
Nissan Motor Co. has a similar technology that uses sensors embedded in the transmission shifter know and head rest. The system detects alcohol in the driver's perspiration or exhaled air, preventing the driver from blowing into a sensor.
Additionally, a camera monitors the driver's state of consciousness.
More Small Fleet
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
Hot Weather Driving Tips for Fleet Drivers
As we head into another potentially extreme summer season, the risks for fleet drivers remain high, from engine strain and tire blowouts to unpredictable traffic patterns. An expert shares advice on how fleet drivers can boost their safety during the steamy summer months.
Read More →