New Mexico Tries Talking Urinals

New Mexico’s transportation department has installed 500 talking deodorizers in urinals around the state in an effort to curb drunk driving. The motion-activated device plays a recorded message that encourages the captive listener to phone a friend or a cab if he has “had one too many.”

Reuters:

The state transportation department said on Thursday it has put some 500 talking deodorizers in bar and restaurant restrooms in the state in recent days to remind drivers not to drink and drive.

“Hey big guy, having a few drinks? Then listen up!” a voice chirps in. “Think you had one too many? Then it’s time to call a cab or call a sober friend for a ride home.”

Transportation department spokesman SU Mahesh said the motion-activated devices were part of an attempt to “think outside the box” to tackle drunk driving in the state.

Read more