Will Breathalyzers in bars become a common occurrence?

As numerous postings in this blog have discussed, drinking and driving can have a severe long-term impact on the life of the accused if not handled with the utmost care. Unfortunately, sometimes drivers face DUI charges simply because they felt fine to drive, did not think they'd had too much to drink and did not realize that their blood alcohol content may still be above the legally allowable limit for operating a motorized vehicle. Now, new technology is arriving in some South Carolina bars that may help residents determine whether or not they have consumed too much alcohol to get behind the wheel of their car.

Seven bars throughout Charleston County have recently had a Boozelator 3001 installed. The Boozelator is a Breathalyzer vending machine. It will measure patrons' blood alcohol content for just one dollar. A company known as Sober Solutions created the Boozelator. According to one of the co-owners of Sober Solutions, the Boozelator will measure a person's BAC in seconds and will return results very similar to what a law enforcement officer executing Breathalyzer test would receive.

The Boozelator is also reportedly very user-friendly and easy to operate whether the patron is intoxicated or not. Once the patron pays a dollar, the machine dispenses a straw, directs the patron to insert the straw into the hole and then gives them a countdown of five seconds.

Although this device may not prevent everyone from getting behind the wheel once they see the results, some believe it will at least make people think twice and consider finding another way home. If true, it has the potential to not only prevent bar patrons from being charged with a crime but it could also minimize the number of South Carolina residents facing penalties and fines for drunk driving.

So far, this device is just in the beginning stages and, as previously mentioned, has only been installed in seven locations in Charleston County. Therefore, it is likely that numerous residents of South Carolina may still find themselves in the unfortunate position of facing DUI charges. If that is the case, it is very important to find an experienced DUI defense attorney in South Carolina. These attorneys can help to do what is necessary to minimize the severity of the outcome's impact on the accused.

Source: Live 5 News, "Breathalyzers in bars: Latest technology comes to Charleston County," Sujata Jain, June 14, 2013