The notion of carmakers installing on-board breathalyzers connected with an interlock system to prevent you from starting your car if your blood-alcohol levels are above the illegal limit is not as far fetched as it seems. Nissan is currently testing such a system in a partnership with the Japanese government, which could lead to the eventual roll out of the safety device in its production cars.

Toyota previously showcased its own system that used steering-wheel mounted sensors that could detect alcohol in the blood through the driver’s sweat from their palms. Toyota’s version could even be activated once the car is in motion if it detected that the driver’s steering patterns were becoming unsteady.

We're sure many motorists would find it annoying having to use a breathalyzer everytime they start the car. Also, there are several major hurdles preventing the introduction of such devices. Firstly, current breathalyzer technology can be inaccurate at times, and, secondly, drivers could simply get another sober person to start the car or in the case of the Toyota system, wear gloves.