Breathalyzer Interlocks » personal breathalyzer

The BACTrack Select S80

Ed — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:43:47 +0000

There are a wide variety of breathalyzers used for detecting a person’s blood alcohol content. Breathalyzers come in a wide range of sizes and costs. Many people searching for a novel gift may look at keychain mini-breathalyzers that are less accurate. Other people may prefer a more professional grade breathalyzer and are willing to pay more in order to obtain a more reliable personal breathalyzer.

The easy to use BACTrack Select S80.

The BACTrack Select S80 falls into the latter category and is marketed as a breathalyzer to be used by professionals such as law enforcement, medical personnel, or businesses. However, this breathalyzer my be considered by those looking for a breathalyzer to use for personal purposes as well, retailing for $249.99.

The Select S80 uses Xtend Fuel Cell Technology. This provides a four digit readout detecting and displaying trace amounts of alcohol, which is important in zero-tolerance situations. Remember, that even mouthwash may cause trace amounts of alcohol to be detected.

The Select S80′s technology also allows for a longer sensor-life, requiring less maintenance and service. The S80 is also marketed as having a longer battery life and runs on AA batteries.

The Select S80 also features easy to use one button operation. You simply press the power button and begin testing.

Mini-Breathalyzers

Ed — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:38:01 +0000

Mini-breathalyzers are cheap and will determine whether there is alcohol in your system, however, they do not provide the same accuracy as more expensive, sophisticated breathalyzers. Mini breathalyzers are often sold as keychains. These small breathalyzers may be purchased for a few dollars, but as is true with many items, you get what you pay for. These mini breathalyzers are being marketed as stocking stuffers for this holiday season and often state they are for entertainment purposes only.

A keychain mini-breathalyzer with green, yellow, and red lights to indicate blood alcohol content.

Many of these mini-breathalyzers do not provide an actual number indicating you blood/alcohol content but rather use a system such as a red, green, and yellow light to indicate whether you are safe to drive. A green light indicates you are safe, a yellow light means you should be cautious and perhaps wait to drive, while a red light means you are over the legal limit. However, it is important to know the DUI/DWI laws in your state to know the legal limit and to use a number to gauge how close your blood alcohol content is to that legal limit.

There are reports of police officials warning against the use of mini-breathalyzers, indicating that they may provide people with a false sense of security in their ability to drive. Law enforcement officers often note that drivers may be arrested for driving under the influence despite registering under the legal limit on any type of breathalyzer.

There are some mini breathalyzers that are more reliable and provide a numerical readout for you blood alcohol content, but of course, these will be more expensive. And, as law enforcement officials point out, no breathalyzer guarantees safety from a DUI.

A typical example of a mini keychain breathalyzer is the GTMax Alcohol Tester. This small keychain breathalyzer comes with a stop watch and LED light.

An Introduction to In Car Breathalyzers, Ignition Interlocks, and Personal Breathalyzers

Ed — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:08:41 +0000

Breathalyzers, whether used as part of an ignition interlock device or merely a hand held sobriety test, come in a variety of models and serve a multitude of purposes.

Breathalizers and ignition interlock devices, also known as “in car breathalyzers,” are commonly used by law enforcement or are part of a court order requiring their use by an individual, usually after a DUI or DWI offense. Many states are passing stricter legislation regarding the use of ignition interlock devices (IID). Missouri requires ignition interlocks for repeat offenders.

An installed ignition interlock device.

However, these devices are also available to the public for personal or business use. For instance: parents may wish to ensure the safety of their children by installing an ignition interlock device on their teens vehicle; a business may require the use of in car breathalyzers for their employees to cut down on liability risks; or an individual may wish to use a hand held breathalyzer to test their blood-alcohol content before driving (it is important to note that the results of such tests will not preclude a DUI/DWI offense). For monitoring teen children or employees some ignition interlock devices have GPS attached in order to locate a vehicle with a failed interlock device.

Many people also wish to carry a personal breathalyzers in order to monitor their own blood alcohol content before driving. These personal breathalyzers come in a variety of types and sizes and vary greatly in price. The cheapest and smallest breathalyzers are often referred to as mini-breathalyzers.

As with any decision, when deciding whether to use a breathalyzer or ignition interlock and in deciding which brand and type to use it is important to gain as much information as possible before making the purchase. Some factors, which will be discussed greater in later blogs, include ease of use, reliability, price, and installation. Hopefully, by using the information provided in this blog and the links available here, you will be able to pick the right breathalyzer or ignition interlock for your purposes.