As the festive season gets into full swing, the temptation to enjoy a drink or two increases. While the golden rule remains clear – if you've had a drink, don't drive – many drivers face uncertainty the morning after a celebration. Could you still be over the legal limit? This lingering doubt is why a personal breathalyser is being hailed as one of the most important items you could keep in your glovebox this winter.
Removing the Dangerous Guesswork
Personal breathalysers are not a substitute for common sense or responsible decision-making. However, they serve a critical function by eliminating the perilous guesswork that can follow a night of social drinking. The market leader in this field is AlcoSense, whose digital devices use the same fuel cell technology employed by police forces.
Their best-selling model, the AlcoSense Excel Fuel Cell Breathalyser, has been tested over several weeks. Priced at £99.99, it's a compact, pocket-sized device that provides a clear digital readout of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The process is simple: slide open a panel, attach a disposable tube, blow until you hear a click, and receive an immediate result.
Understanding the Legal Limits and Accuracy
The device uses a colour-coded system to instantly indicate if you are safe to drive or not. It is programmed with the legal limits, which currently stand at 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath in England and Wales. It is crucial to note that the limit is stricter in Scotland, and there is ongoing discussion about reducing it across the rest of the UK.
The AlcoSense Excel boasts an accuracy within 0.015% BAC, and its parameters can be updated via software to reflect any future changes in the law. The device requires an annual calibration, which costs £24.99. Additional smart features include a memory that stores your last 24 test results and comes with batteries and a USB cable for updates.
A Tool for Modern Motoring Responsibility
Ultimately, this is a device that, in an ideal world, would not need to exist. No one should ever consider driving if there is any question over their sobriety. Yet, as humans, we can underestimate how impairing even a small amount of alcohol can be, and how long it can remain in our system. A modest evening out could easily leave you over the limit by the next morning.
In some countries, carrying a breathalyser is compulsory. While not yet a legal requirement in the UK, as debates about lowering the drink-drive limit continue, such devices could become an increasingly vital part of a motorist's toolkit. Much like a speedometer helps us adhere to speed limits, a personal breathalyser provides a factual check, reinforcing our personal responsibility to other road users.
Investing in a reliable breathalyser could be a decisive step in ensuring safety on the roads, not just during the festive season but all year round. It offers a clear, scientific answer to replace uncertainty, potentially preventing tragedy and saving lives.
