A new device developed by scientists at Bristol University could result in drink-drivers being monitored efficiently. The invention monitors motorists’ hand to eye coordination. Dr Dilwyn Marple-Horvat and his researchers gave volunteers glasses of beer or vodka at fixed interval while monitoring their driving performance in a simulator rally game. The findings suggested that coordination started to decline after a pint of beer or 2 vodkas. The equipment ( which is fitted under the car bonnet), consists of an infra-red eye-tracker and a steering wheel sensor that measures the time delay between a driver focusing on a corner and starting to turn the wheel. For motorists in normal conditions, this is about 3/4’s second. If the driver’s performance deteriorates and the delay is reduced, the instrument could deliver audible warning, cut off power or even notify the police. The University has filed for a patent application and is seeking to collaborate with a car manufacturer as each device costs £30,000 at present. The device could be working in cars within 12 months if a sponsor is found, but researchers fail to note that tiredness and other factors could effect coordination times.