Russia: Laser scanner against drunk drivers The new invention, dubbed “Bouton” (flower bud), was demonstrated at the XV Anniversary International Exhibition of Police and Military Equipment – ‘Interpolitex’ – held in Moscow from 25 to 28 October. Bouton can trace even the most subtle fumes of ethanol in a car passing by at up to 150 km per hour. According to its manufacturer, it works in all weather conditions and requires no complex maintenance. |
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However, not all is crystal clear about this new piece of know-how from Russian scientists. Though it has been through a rigorous testing process, many drivers doubt the device will be “fair” to them. First of all, the gadget spots any alcohol fumes – be they from the driver, from the passengers or just from an open bottle being carried in the vehicle. This means if you want to drive unhindered by traffic police, never take drunk passengers with you. Some also fear that AlcoLasers will spoil life for perfume-lovers. The scents contain ethanol, and will be easily picked up by the device. The same problem may be caused by the windshield washers which also contain alcohol as an anti-freeze element. To make final adjustments to the Bouton and allay any possible doubts on the part of drivers, the manufacturers, along with the police, will carry out a number of test raids throughout the coming year. They will do this in co-operation with the Federation of Car Owners before the devices are finally set to scan the roads of Russia starting in 2013. |
There are many nervous announcements that we are running out of IP-addresses and that we must change this year, 2011 to the new IPv6 standard. It is correct that we are running out of IP-addresses, but we will not change to IPv6 this year - on the contrary this transition will never happen. 
