Joyeeta Rahman's Design Portfolio 

Drug-induced impaired driving has long been recognized as a leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Monitoring and indicating impairment are crucial steps to preventing such incidents.  Due to the lack of commercially available solutions, we propose Higher Safety, a wearable key chain that monitors drug-induced impairment and prevents the user from operating a vehicle under the influence. This report includes a detailed description of the device, a critical analysis of commercially available products, and a discussion for future directions.

The device examines the user for pupil dilation to conclude imparity. Two modes, calibration and measurement, are available for individualized measurements. The user is informed via flashing LED lights of different colors, each corresponding to a different situation, and messages displayed on an LCD screen. The device is also capable of connecting to the user’s car, locking it if impairment is detected. Higher Safety has the potential of becoming a commercial solution to aid insurance companies and law enforcement with impaired driving related offences. We expect further technical development in the future to take this product to greater heights.