A new app called Otorize believes it can replace the test to check the fitness of drivers who have used cannabis.
The creators of the app hope that it will be possible to prevent taking the wheel before the test is passed. Whether it is cannabis, alcohol or drugs, Otorize could demonstrate its effectiveness and prevent accidents.
The presence of cannabis in the blood does not necessarily affect the ability to drive. This is because remnants of THC compounds can be present without affecting abilities. Thus, these molecules can remain for up to two weeks or more after consumption. In contrast, alcohol wears off after a few hours.
Otorize, the app to assess your "high" level
Now engineers at a start-up are developing a new application called Otorize. It can not only be a cannabis test, but also a fitness test for those under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, fatigue, illness.
Unlike conventional tests, the app does not check the level in the blood. Indeed, it uses a method of "test of the capacities" which examines the cognitive functions. Its purpose: to determine the ability to drive.
In practice, the user is presented with two lines, one second, one shorter and the other longer - the shorter on the right and sometimes on the left, sometimes asking "Which line is longer" and sometimes "Which is shorter". A sober man will succeed with an absolute majority. A person under the influence of alcohol or cannabis will fail:
“The test is scientific, using the computer method, which tests cognition at the highest level,” explains Andres Kukawka, one of the founders of the start-up.
Operation via simple exercises
Otorize requires a preliminary test, in order to calibrate the application on the person. This test will serve as the basis for future tests.
“The app is based on research conducted in 2013 at the University of Adelaide in Australia - they found a direct correlation between failure of this test and blood alcohol levels and inability to drive », Explains Anders.
Validation of the test with cannabis users
These days, researchers are conducting research in collaboration with Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with around XNUMX cannabis users.
“According to the first results of a pilot on 5 people, the effect of cannabis seems to peak between 10 minutes and half an hour after consumption in patients who regularly consume cannabis. then they regenerate. For non-regular consumers, it takes more time. Maybe up to an hour and a half or even two hours, ”he says.
Otorize hopes their app will in fact replace all screening devices for driving under the influence of alcohol, while focusing on cannabis users.
“In fact, all tests only indicate whether there are traces of cannabis in the blood or not. While cannabis remains in the blood even after two weeks or more, it is impossible to tell if the THC in the body is actually having an effect on fitness. "
An application available pending the recognition of the authorities
Otorize wants to save lives by "locking" the car. It could only start after passing the test. It would send a message to vehicle owners or parents, for young drivers.
Last month, it won the Most Promising App first in the Entrepreneurship Competition of the International Cannabis Conference held in Israel.
Currently the app is only available for devices Android.
