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Lifeloc offers Lifeguard breathalyzers to the public |
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Written by Amanda Moreno
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Tuesday, 29 December 2009 |
The coming of a new year brings cause for celebration, but it shouldn't bring cause for carelessness.
TxDot has teamed up with Lifeloc Technologies in hopes of preventing drinking and driving fatalities.
"Around this time, law enforcement has said that they see a spike in DUIs and related activity," Barry Knott, president of Lifeloc Technologies, said.
Celebrating the new year doesn't have to be eliminated, but there are a few precautions that can be taken so that the roadways are safer.
Knott said that in recent years, over-the-counter breathalyzers have become popular.
Law enforcement officers have had the capabilities and access to the breathalyzers, but everyday citizens can now monitor their drinking levels.
"We aren't condoning drinking and driving, but instead, we are giving the people a way to know where they are at," Knott said.
Breathalyzers have become popular in Europe, according to Knott. The legal limit is lower than it is here.
"The public awareness is growing and the technology is becoming more available, Knott said.
Alcohol-related traffic fatalities are the highest in Texas, according to statistics. In 2007, there were 1,485 deaths because of alcohol-related accidents. In 2008, there was a total of 13,846 alcohol-related deaths and 1,463 occurred in Texas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"We wanted people to have the ability to bring the best technology into their homes for alcohol screening, which is exactly what Lifeguard does," Knott said. For over 20 years, Lifeguard has been supplying law enforcement agencies with their product all over the country.
Law enforcement uses fuel-cell technology breathalyzers, but the ones are most accessible to consumers are a lower quality and different technology.
"People need to understand that most of the breathalyzers on the market are mass produced and made oversees," Knott said. "They can be dangerous because they aren't always accurate. "
The importance of a breathalyzer should be education. Parents tend to use them to test their children, but more importantly is using them to educate the kids. It's a great tool to help kids understand the legal limit, according to Knott.
Another popular and important use is at personal parties.
"This allows social hosts to provide good stewardship and make sure that their friends are traveling safely," Knott said.
Social hosts can now be held accountable for accidents, and providing a breathalyzer for their guests serves as insurance for the host.
Morning after testing is another way that breathalyzers can be used.
"It takes a lot longer to get sober than it does to get intoxicated," Knott said.
If you are having to go to work after a party, it's a great tool to let you know if you are going to be able to function properly.
Awareness is growing and people are becoming more aware of the legal limit. The main goal is to help them understand and notice when they are over the limit.
"There are still far too many people not aware," Knott said.
The best advice is to not drink and drive, but if you are going to, remember to be responsible.
Lifeloc products can be purchased online at lifeguardbreathtester.com. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 December 2009 )
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