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| Technology Lights Way to DWI Fix |
November 17, 2005 |
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By Carolyn Carlson
Journal Staff Writer
A light beamed through skin to detect and measure alcohol levels is the latest technology in the fight against drunken drivers.
 On Monday, U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., was joined by Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, to announce $500,000 in federal funding to support a pilot program to use the light technology developed by an Albuquerque company to prevent drunken driving.
"This is an example of federal funds both creating jobs and contributing to public safety," Wilson said in an phone interview.
In January, Wilson announced an initial grant of $250,000 for development of the light detection technology.
"I am looking forward to putting this technology to use on the streets and incorporating it as another tool to combat DWI in our community," White said in a news release. "It enhances our capability not only to arrest DWI offenders but also through use in conjunction with an interlock device, serves to prevent repeat offenses."
Albuquerque-based TruTouch Technologies Inc., developed the noninvasive alternative to traditional blood alcohol testing.
Wilson said the money will go to the Sheriff`s Department which will partner with TruTouch to design a prototype that can be used in the field by deputies.
"TruTouch Technologies is grateful for Congresswoman Wilson`s invaluable support to help accelerate the transition of our noninvasive alcohol technology from laboratory devices to field-ready prototypes," Jim McNally, chief executive officer of TruTouch, said in a news release.
Wilson said she hopes to see this device developed into a DWI preventative tool.
"This technology has the potential to change the way we prevent drunk driving," Wilson said. "With further development, this technology means if you touch the steering wheel and you are drunk, the car won`t start. I look forward to that day, and I appreciate the Bernalillo County Sheriff`s Department helping to take this the next step."
In another matter, Wilson announced that the Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act(House Bill 3889), which she co-sponsored, is scheduled for consideration today in the House, Energy and Commerce Committee. The act would lower the amount of pseudoephedrine that could be purchased from 9 grams to 3.6 grams. Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient in meth and is found in cold medicines.
Wilson said the legislation also will make it so pseudoephedrine can only be sold from behind a locked cabinet and the purchaser must show identification to buy it.
"This will make it harder to cook meth and make it easier to track those who may be cooking meth," Wilson said.
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