KEY POINTS:
A new concept car with breathalyser-like detection systems may provide even greater traction for Japanese efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road. Nissan's alcohol-detection sensors check odour, sweat and driver awareness, issuing a voice alert from the navigation system and locking up the ignition if necessary. Odour sensors on the seats read alcohol levels, while a detector in the gear-shift knobmeasures alcohol in the perspiration of the driver's palm. A camera on the steering column also scans the driver's eyes to monitor alertness.
Told you so
The following item appeared here many months before a police car with its lights flashing in Mt Roskill had an accident that injured a schoolboy: "A good example the other day of why laws on the use of sirens on emergency vehicles in this country are stupid. A fire engine with only flashing red lights comes up behind cars parked at lights on Auckland's Quay St. The fire engine blasts its horn, waking the nearest driver from his congestion-induced slumber - and drives straight over a flower bed on the median strip." It could be so simple: emergency vehicles on the move must at all times have their lights flashing and sirens blaring.
Don't text and drive
Ninety-one per cent of Americans believe sending text messages while driving is as dangerous as driving after having a couple of drinks - but 57 per cent admit to doing it, a poll reveals. The state of Washington passed the first ban in the US on texting while driving and at least six other states are considering similar legislation.
Anniversary trophy
A race at Nurburgring in Germany this weekend featuring great race cars from the past has special significance for Italian carmaker Maserati. The 250F Maserati car that finishes highest in the field will be given a trophy saluting the 50th anniversary of Juan Manuel Fangio's 1957 world title. The Argentine driver's win remains one of the all-time cult races in Formula 1. Fangio made up more than 40 seconds in seven laps on the leaders, lowering the lap record each time.
Fruity car for Citroen
Citroen in Britain is selling a special version of its C3 Pluriel hatchback called the "kiwi". But it's named after the fruit, not the people, although there is a veiled reference to rugby. It says: "The stylish new kiwi model comes in a unique, eye-catching yellow/green metallic body colour and features alloy wheels and luxurious all-black leather upholstery."
We are the world
Police who stopped to check out a car parked at an odd angle late at night outside a restaurant in Delaware, noticed a faint glow coming from inside the place. It was the screen of a laptop, open to a page on safecracking alongside Branden Tingey, 28, who was kneeling in front of the office safe. Tingey didn't have time to hit the Escape key.
