Ibreath takes on drink driving

A NEW GADGET on the market will stop Ipod or Iphone users from drink-driving this chrimbo.

Ibreath allows users to check their blood alcohol content to see if they are fit to drive. It only plugs into an Ipod or Iphone, so it will probably only be useful for those who drive VW beetles or bikes, but it could be a start.

David Steele Enterprises says the device can measure an individual's blood alcohol range between 0.000 per cent and 0.100 per cent, and can remind users when it's time for their next breath test.

The company adverts say, "Not only can this cool gizmo save you from career-ending embarrassment, it can potentially save you thousands of dollars in legal fees and jail time."

However the gadget has not got the backing of the constabulary. The head of Australia's NSW Traffic Service, Chief Superintendent John Hartley, said such gear was unreliable and could not be relied upon in court.

He said that no one single device is ever accurate, and blood alcohol levels can rise or fall very quickly. That's why police test drivers twice, he said. µ

L'Inq
Sydney Morning Herald