98 years ago, the sworn enemy of drunk driving was born
This page is translated from the original post "Il y a 98 ans, l’ennemi juré de l’alcool au volant voyait le jour" in French.
- 29/08/2025 10:56
On August 29, 1927, a strange device that would save thousands of lives made its debut in the United States: the Drunkometer.
Its inventor, Dr. Harger, aimed to measure the blood alcohol level of drivers through their breath. The device, somewhat bulky and not very glamorous, would lay the groundwork for what we all know today as the breathalyzer.
At the time, the idea was quite amusing. Blowing into a machine to prove one is fit to drive? Many found it intrusive, even ridiculous. How could drinking be a problem when getting behind the wheel? And yet, nearly a century later, the gesture has become commonplace. Moreover, it is part of our daily lives, whether during a roadside check or with the little kit that we are required to have in the glove compartment.
How many lives saved in 98 years?
This anniversary is not just a historical curiosity. It reminds us how much the fight against drunk driving remains a major issue. Over the decades, prevention campaigns and stricter controls have significantly reduced the number of alcohol-related accidents. But every year, the statistic resurfaces: too many lives are still shattered for “one last drink too many”.
Today, technology continues to evolve. Manufacturers and authorities are even considering built-in systems capable of preventing a car from starting if the driver has been drinking. A sort of Drunkometer 2.0, integrated directly into our cars.
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98 years ago, the breathalyzer made its somewhat artisanal debut. Now, it is a symbol: that of simple, effective, and vital progress. Because at the end of the day, the most important innovation behind the wheel is not always the most powerful battery or the largest screen… As the automobile rapidly evolves towards electric, autonomous, and connected technologies, it’s good to remember that sometimes, the greatest innovation is simply knowing how to get home alive.
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