As the festive season approaches, the temptation to enjoy a drink becomes more frequent, raising a critical question for drivers the morning after: am I still over the limit? While the fundamental rule remains absolute – if you've drunk, don't drive – a growing number of motorists are turning to technology to eliminate uncertainty. A personal breathalyser is fast becoming one of the most prudent gadgets you can keep in your glovebox.
Removing the Dangerous Guesswork
Personal breathalysers are not a substitute for common sense or responsible decision-making. However, they serve a vital role in removing dangerous guesswork after a night of drinking. Many drivers have experienced that nagging doubt the next day, unsure whether their indulgence has left them illegally impaired. This is where a reliable device provides clarity and could potentially save lives.
The market leader in this field is AlcoSense, which produces digital breathalysers using sophisticated technology. Their best-selling model, the AlcoSense Excel Fuel Cell Breathalyser, has won numerous awards and offers a clear, digital indication of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). It's a compact device, easily stored in a pocket or bag, yet it utilises the same fuel cell technology employed by police forces.
How the AlcoSense Excel Works
Using the device is straightforward. You slide open a panel, attach a disposable mouthpiece, and blow steadily until you hear a click. Within seconds, the display provides a reading. A colour-coded system instantly shows whether you are safe to drive or not, alongside your precise BAC percentage.
In the UK, the legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. It is crucial to note that Scotland enforces a stricter limit, and there is ongoing discussion about reducing the limit across the rest of the UK. The AlcoSense Excel is programmable during setup to adapt to different national limits and any future legal changes, ensuring its ongoing relevance.
The device boasts an accuracy within 0.015% BAC, which is impressive for a consumer unit. It retails for £99.99 and requires an annual calibration, costing £24.99, to maintain its precision. Additional features include a memory that stores your last 24 test results and USB connectivity for software updates.
A Vital Tool for Modern Motoring
Ultimately, in an ideal world, such a device would be unnecessary. No one should ever consider driving if there is any doubt about their sobriety. Yet, as humans, we often underestimate how impairing even a small amount of alcohol can be, and its effects can linger well into the following day.
In some European countries, carrying a breathalyser in your vehicle is compulsory. While not yet a legal requirement in the UK, with the potential for a lower legal limit, devices like the AlcoSense Excel will become increasingly important. Much like a speedometer helps us adhere to speed limits, a personal breathalyser provides a factual check on our fitness to drive.
This festive season, prioritising road safety is paramount. A personal breathalyser offers a scientific check that complements responsible judgment, ensuring you and others on the road remain safe.
