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Toyota cars combat drink-drivers

Would-be drink drivers won't get any further than putting their hands on the steering wheel if Toyota has its way.

Technicians at the Japanese car manufacturer plan to introduce an array of sensors into their vehicles to catch out even the most cunning drunk.

The new systems are being introduced in response to a recent spike in the number of fatal car accidents and huge motor insurance claims in Japan.

First sensors on the new cars' steering wheels will measure the level of alcohol in a driver's sweat - and disable the engine if it is found to be too high.

Then during the journey, motion sensors will check for erratic driving and a dashboard camera will measure the driver's pupil dilation, bringing the car slowly to a halt if either registers a problem.

"If systems like these can combat drink driving them I'm for them in principal," said Mike Page, a spokesman for the young driver car insurance specialists at Hoot Car Insurance Services.

"However, I'd be nervous about getting into a car that might cut the engine if I had to corner sharply or got something in my eye," he added.

"These systems could potentially lead to higher crash rates, not lower ones - and with that a corresponding rise in the price of young driver car insurance."