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Mike_Dunston's Blog

by Michael_Dunston from WOFL-TV FOX 35

Last Post 17 days, 6 hours Ago

Bar Breathalyzer:Would You Use It? Good or Bad?

Jun 5, 2008 | 12:06 PM
Category: News

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A device aimed at preventing DUI's is causing a stir in Illinois.

It's a breathalyzer machine that's being set up in bars.

You put in a dollar, blow into a machine, and it's supposed to show you how close you are to being legally drunk.

But cops don't like it saying the machine can encourge drunk driving.

What do you think?

Why would you or wouldn't you use it after a night of drinking?

Are police correct saying it would put more drunks on the road?

Happy Blogging,

Mike

19 Comments | Add a Comment

Jun 5, 2008 | 12:38 PM

I think the objective here is to keep drunks off the road.
Someone who has had a meal and a couple of drinks and feels ok, may use the test to be sure that if he were stopped, he would be under the limit.
Someone who scored drunk, would have his keys taken away, and safer means of transportation substituted.
The police dept's objections make no sense.

candyaquino

Jun 5, 2008 | 12:58 PM

I think its a fabulous idea and it would be very shameful for one not to opt to used it thus showing the responsibility of a drinker and that one fatal breath that can be save or save a life. Kudos. I heard about this a while ago...so finally its out there. I pray that people will use common sense in knowing WHEN NOT TO GET BEHIND A WHEEL..on a jokingly side..WITH HIGH PRICES...I NEVER THOUGHT I HEAR SOMEONE SAY..........DRINK BEER --- DON'T DRIVE........LOL.........good one Mike

toddt

Jun 5, 2008 | 1:22 PM

If it saves one life it is worth it!!

Gorilla

Jun 5, 2008 | 1:33 PM

Depends on the bar I guess...

Whats the record?
Got that beat!!!

I don't condone any irresponsible behavior...

dks75

Jun 5, 2008 | 2:54 PM

The one that Ive seen was more of a novelty item than anything else. Occasionally it'd be used to see who could get drunk faster.

It did have a disclaimer about using it for testing ones sobriety for driving purposes though. I'm sure that one does also or something similar.

Hieronymus

Jun 5, 2008 | 5:31 PM

What illogic is this which suggests that this maching will promote drinking and driving?

I hate to break it to these officers - but people AT A BAR are ALREADY drinking and driving! It seems like a machine which could tell someone they really ARE too drunk to drive is a very, very GOOD idea.

The issue of the accuracy is another, legit issue but the notion that it promotes drinking and driving is more absurd than those who feel giving a teenage girl the HPV vaccine will encourage her to have sex.

Hieronymus

Jun 5, 2008 | 5:32 PM

MACHINE, not "maching"... pardon the typos (and I haven't even had a beer... LOL)

YBSRobin

Jun 5, 2008 | 5:42 PM

Mike, somehow I just don't see this machine working. If I am reading correctly, it appears that an individual has to spend a dollar to have a machine tell them if they are drunk or not. Does an individual spend their last dollar on the machine or another drink? If this is not a law or a requirement, I just don't see people wanting to spend money on this. I can see the point of view from the police though, it is as if you have a machine that can tell you how much more to drink. And with alcohol, at times the affects can be a little delayed in some people, so when does one really say they've had enough, even if they are drinking too much at home? If memory serves me right, a device similar to this for a vehicle already exists. I think one has to blow into this device in order to start their vehicle. So for anyone who is caught with a DUI, this device should be mandatory, if they fail it, then they can spend their extra dollars on a cab to save a life or sleep it off in their vehicle. Good post though, gets one thinking about more things that should be put in place due to the negligence of drunk drivers.

Hieronymus

Jun 5, 2008 | 6:01 PM

YBS, I agree with the notion that people would probably not wish to spend $1.00 on this; I thought about that, too.

It's the notion that it will ENCOURAGE drinking which is absurd.

As for the accuracy; that all depends. If they can make an accuate one for a car, why not in a bar machine? It should be MANDITORY these machines are kept calibrated, though. Imagine the lawsuits if someone said "hey, that machine said I was OK"!

As for effects; this machine would tell you the blood alcohol level, just like the criterion used by police to determine DUI. It doesn't matter WHEN they drank; what matters is if you are over the limit as defined by LAW.

Michael_Dunston

Jun 5, 2008 | 8:06 PM

YBSRobin,

You make some great points!

Mike

Gorilla

Jun 6, 2008 | 12:30 AM

You just put a sign up and say if you decide to blow, you put your keys in a bartenders hand, if you blow over the limit a novelty police light goes off and the bartender knows to call a cab...

You could make it mandatory to leave...
just a thought...

Gorilla

Jun 6, 2008 | 12:41 AM

Its not absurd it would encourage...
Someone will have the record for highest BAC, And it will be highly coveted....

BornToBeWild

Jun 6, 2008 | 10:01 AM

The police are just being selfish because they wouldn't be making as many DUI arrests. Taking that breath test before you step into the parking lot would at least warn people they shouldn't be behind the wheel and it time for a D&D or cab! I don't drink but I do work in bars and 98% of people that leave the bars are under the influence!

Gammies61

Jun 6, 2008 | 10:32 AM

If you are drinking, you shouldn't be driving. If you have no one to drive for you, and you can't afford a cab. Then drink at home, or don't drink at all.

What if the machine fails and you get pulled over? You are going to be out more than the dollar it cost to blow into the machine. Never trust a vending machine. How many times has one of those things stole your money?

SushiLover

Jun 6, 2008 | 10:40 AM

Yuckthats just gross, think of how many other peoples lips have been on that pipe before yours....

Gammies61

Jun 6, 2008 | 10:45 AM

Yeah, they may have eaten Sushi! Yuck! LOL

BornToBeWild

Jun 6, 2008 | 5:18 PM

SushiLover....BTW, I love sushi too! Yeah, just think of how many germs, colds, and flu will be shared by all the drunks...it is gross!

Gammies...sushi is good for U, it makes hair grow on your chest! LOL

Gammies61

Jun 7, 2008 | 10:13 AM

Are in my case, kill me. Fish allergies. As far as the hair on my chest. I'm not sure the S.O. would like me having more hair than him. LOL

I was under the impression; alcohol kills germs. Slobber dripping with disease.

Gorilla

Jun 7, 2008 | 2:44 PM

Disposable plastic covers like on regular Breathalyzers...

You should never blow on a Breathalyzer anyways!!!
Go to jail, Go to court, go back home...lol

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Michael_Dunston

Hi everybody, knowledge REALLY IS power. As the 5pm co-anchor/reporter here at FOX 35, I learn something new each day from the people in our community who share their stories, opinions, and experiences. That's why I love journalism, and what we do here at the station. With these blogs, I hope we can learn from each other, share information, and grow from the diverse viewpoints around Central Florida. So, as I'm doing in this picture: sit back, relax, and blog away! Thanks so much, Mike

Member Since: 9/24/2007

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