Electronic driving licences : key to a new traffic safety system.

Unlicensed driving is the largest single traffic safety problem in Sweden and elsewhere. In Sweden it causes 100 deaths and 2500 injured a year at a cost of more than 1 billion USD. On contract with the Swedish National Road Administration an electronic drivers license (EDL) has been developed which will eliminate all unlicensed driving, and as a consequence eliminate 60 percent of all drunken driving. The EDL which is based on smartcard technology can also carry medical information about the bearer, information about organ donations etc. It can also be used in conjunction with tachograph equipment and prevent the driver from driving more hours than stipulated. The EDL may also be combined with an alcotest unit to prevent drunken driving. (A)