Breathalyzer Machines
November 13, 2007
Use of stand alone breathalyzer machines in bars and restaurants is increasing, although it still remains controversial. Breathalyzer machines are different from personal and police breathalyzers in that they are usually wall mounted or stand alone. They can range anywhere from the size of a toaster to the size of an ATM machine. The idea is that bars offer this as a service to their patrons (or charge them money like an arcade game), so that they know if they are safe to drive home after a night of drinking. You take one of the provided straws and blow into the machine when it tells you to. Very similar to a personal breathalyzer. The problem is that the results of breathalyzer machines would not legally stand up in court. Only breathalyzers administered by police are legally binding. Bar patrons might use the breathalyzer machine and assume they are fine to drive home, when in fact they are over the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. Bars and restaurants fear that they could be sued if a machine gives a false reading below the limit and that person gets pulled over or gets in a car crash on the way home. Because of civil and liability laws in the U.S. that would allow for cases similar to these, I don’t think breathalyzer machines will be very popular. In Europe and other countries, they have a better chance of becoming available.
Watch a breathalyzer machine in action:
High Schools Require Breathalyzer at Prom
May 9, 2007
This spring students at high schools across the country will be required to take a breathalyzer before they enter prom activities. For many students, prom means an end to the school year and a chance to let go and party hard with friends. Prom night is notorious for binge drinking among teens and the party starts for some before they arrive at the actual dance. High schools are requiring students to take a breathalyzer test in an effort to curb alcohol consumption before or while on school property.
Some schools have used breathalyzers during prom and other school activities for years, but only when the student was perceived to be under the influence of alcohol. The new rule for a growing number of high schools is to require a breathalyzer when each student enters prom, regardless of whether they may or may not have been drinking. Any student that fails the alcohol breathalyzer test may be subject to suspension, expulsion, or exclusion from graduation ceremonies. This acts as the main deterrent for showing up after drinking.
The number of teen drunk driving incidents and drinking deaths has been on the rise for years. High school administrations see using breathalyzers as a way to keep the students safe until they are off of school property.
How to Build Your Own Breathalyzer
March 23, 2007
A product so amusing even 6 year olds will want to start drinking. Check out the video of these girls from UCSD who took the initiative to hack robotic toy dogs and build a fully functional breathalyzer. When the robotic dogs sense alcohol on your breath they play music and the lights flash. Depending on the results of your breathalyzer test, the music changes between happy and ominous.
10 Important Things You Need To Know About Breathalyzers
February 28, 2007
1. Breathalyzers are legal to own
Personal alcohol breathalyzers are small enough to keep in your pocket, purse, or on your keychain. They are also widely available from a number of online and normal stores. With the easy availability of breathalyzer devices, one of the most common questions is whether they are legal. The answer is that breathalyzers are legal in every state.
2. Breathalyzers work by gauging the amount of alcohol on your breath
Alcohol is absored into the bloodstream and passes through the blood in the lungs. As it passes through the lungs some of it is absorbed into the air sacs and appears on your breath as you exhale. A digital breathalyzer tests the blood alcohol content (BAC) on your breath as you blow into it. The results of this breath test is then displayed on a digital interface.
3. There are different types of breathalyzers
The are a couple different types of breathalyzer devices, although they all work on the same principle of measuring blood alcohol content by exhaling into it. The three most common devices are the breathalyzer, intoxilyzer, and alcosensor. Under the breathazlyer family, there are personal handheld digital breathalyzers, keychain breathalyzers, breathalyzer machines (which are usually larger and mounted on a wall and may be coin operated), and police breathalyzers.
How To Beat The Police Breathalyzer Test
February 28, 2007
By now you’ve probably heard (and hopefully not tried out) some of the urban legends of how to beat the police breathalyzer test. The assumption is that you can alter the results of a blood alcohol content test through a chemical reaction. With the widespread availability of personal digital breathalyzers, it is easier than ever to conduct tests of your own to determine a tried and true way of beating the breathalyzer. If you are interested in the scientific terms of how a breathalyzer works, check out our other breathalyzer articles.
Some of the methods that have been attempted in breathalyzer tests:
- Sucking on a penny or other coins
- Chewing gum
- Mouthwash
- Pepto-Bismol
- Vitamin C
- Garlic
- Taking Deep Breaths
