Question: When is intrusion for the sake of safety invading one's privacy? Is it Big Brother or is it justified for the good of the whole?
It is reported that several car manufacturers are planning to install sensors in their cars that potentially have the power of that HAL computer featured in the movie, "2001: A Space Odyssey."
For example, there are plans to develop a smart steering wheel that can detect whether the driver has consumed too much alcohol. If the sensor detects a certain level, it will turn off the engine.
Meanwhile, DaimlerChrysler is doing research into development of a smart car phone that can detect if the driver is distracted or angry. It features cameras in the car's interior that observes the caller the moment the phone is picked up. If it senses that the driver is distracted, it can refuse to put the call through.
Other technologies and their uses for "safe driving" can be found at the link. Our take? Too much intrusion or just right?