Parking lot barrier only opens if drivers pass a breathlyzer test

Belgium's Responsible Young Drivers initiative has developed a car park barrier that only opens if drivers pass a breathalyzer test.

We’ve recently seen a couple of examples of campaign using innovative ideas to curb drink driving, such as special labels on Steigl bottles and AmBev’s Beer Turnstile. Now Belgium’s Responsible Young Drivers (RYD) initiative has developed a car park barrier that only opens if drivers pass a breathalyzer test.

According to statistics from the organization, 33 percent of road deaths that occur at the weekend involve drivers under 25 years old. In an attempt to stop revellers getting behind the wheel after a night out, RYD set up barriers at the parking lot of Carré, one of the most popular clubs in the country, on the night of its 22nd anniversary. Developed by B-Park Engineers, the barrier was rigged to open only when a connected breathalyzer showed a reading under the drink driving limit when those trying to leave the club blew into it. If they’d had too much to drink, the barriers remained closed until a safe driver took control of the vehicle. Those without a responsible driver were instructed to find an alternative route home or sleep it off in their cars. The video below shows the barrier in action:

Clubbers were notified of the barrier before they arrived at the venue, and 90 percent ensured that they had a responsible driver present to enable them to leave. It’s easy to see how the scheme could be implemented at other events such as music festivals, where attendees may be tempted to drive under the influence, and RYD has suggested that it may want to continue developing the idea. Want to get involved in?

Spotted by: Murray Orange