Arrive Alive Technologies to Develop World's First Passive Ignition Interlock System to Eliminate Drunk Driving

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--Arrive Alive Technologies (www.arrivealivetech.com) announced today its intent to produce and market the world’s first Passive Ignition Interlock System specifically designed to prevent individuals from operating private or commercial motorized vehicles (automobiles, trucks, boats, airplanes, forklifts) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The company, which is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is currently seeking investors to fast-track production of the revolutionary life-saving device.

“We are seeking funding in support of our development effort and have been getting a lot of interest from potential investors and technology partners,” said Michael De Prado, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Arrive Alive Technologies. “We look forward to selecting the right extended team to bring our solution to market.”

The Arrive Alive system is based upon the company’s exclusive rights to a patent that was granted to Neuro-Clinical Psychologist and Arrive Alive Chairman Dr. Dennis Bellehumeur in May 2005. The system uses a galvanic sensor that can be embedded in the steering wheel of virtually any vehicle to measure epidermal (skin) elements of the driver. Alcohol content, sweat, temperature, and other measurements are read continuously by the system to determine if the driver is under the influence of alcohol. If the driver is determined to be impaired, the system works in tandem with logic circuits connected to the vehicle's ignition system to prevent operation.

Unlike other interlock solutions currently on the market that require drivers to submit breath samples in order to be effective, the Arrive Alive system will not require the driver to change behavior in the operation of the vehicle.

“The ability to provide effective monitoring in a completely unobtrusive fashion through the steering wheel is what will really separate the Arrive Alive system from the competition,” said Dr. Bellehumeur. “Breath-based systems are easily defeated by having a sober passenger or friend submit to the test. Our system monitors the driver, and only the driver throughout the entire time that the vehicle is in operation, so it’s virtually foolproof.”

Since the Arrive Alive system’s core sensor array is integrated to the steering wheel, providing consistent contact with the driver, there is also great potential to expand the system to detect other substances or forms of impairment that would impact driving performance, such as fatigue.

Dr. Bellehumeur’s research and dedication toward developing the Arrive Alive system began 15 years ago when his then-teenage son crashed his car into a utility pole while intoxicated, leaving him hospitalized with brain damage. "I dream of one day eliminating the pain and suffering that is experienced daily around the world due to operation of motorized vehicles while under the influence of drugs and alcohol,” said Bellehumeur.