CDOT Hopes Free Personal Breathalyzers Will Reduce Drunk Driving

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has established an innovative collaboration with BACtrack, a prominent producer of personal breathalyzers. This collaboration aims to shed light on the drinking habits of Colorado residents and explore whether the possession of a personal breathalyzer can deter individuals from engaging in impaired driving behaviors such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired).

One of the critical tools in this effort is the BACtrack Mobile breathalyzer. This state-of-the-art device syncs with smartphones via Bluetooth. This handheld breathalyzer allows users to measure their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) quickly and accurately. When users blow into the device, their BAC results are displayed on their smartphone screen. Additionally, considering the user’s current BAC, the device provides an estimated waiting time before it is safe to operate a vehicle. This valuable information can assist drivers in determining whether their BAC is within legal limits.

In Colorado, like many other states, the legal BAC limit for driving is 0.08%. If your BAC exceeds this limit, you can be charged with DUI. However, you could face DWAI charges if your BAC falls between 0.05% and 0.08%(Driving While Ability Impaired) charges. The partnership between CDOT and BACtrack seeks to create awareness and provide tools that help individuals make responsible decisions regarding their alcohol consumption and its impact on their ability to drive safely.

The study organized by CDOT involves participants completing three brief online surveys throughout the summer. Those who participate and complete the study will receive a BACtrack Mobile breathalyzer free of charge. The goal is to gather data and insights into how personal breathalyzers may influence drinking behaviors and promote responsible choices.

While personal breathalyzers can be valuable tools for individuals who want to monitor their BAC, using them accurately and responsibly is crucial. The most efficient method to deter impaired driving is to refrain from driving after alcohol consumption. It’s essential to remember that personal breathalyzers require a specific waiting period after your last drink to provide accurate results. Rushing to drive immediately after receiving a low BAC reading from your breathalyzer can lead to discrepancies if tested by law enforcement.