Drinking & Driving>

Breathalyser Practices

The use of breathalysers to test an individual's level of impairment is a widely accepted practice employed by law enforcement officials, individuals, business owners and bar owners. Breathalysers are also an integral part of campaigns to address drinking and driving and have been used in promotions supporting responsible drinking. Listed below are some highlighted breathalyser programmes from around the world.

Officer Training Programmes

  • There are programmes designed to teach law enforcement officials how to use breathalysers properly and how to detect and handle intoxicated drivers. Educating police officers increases the efficacy of law enforcement programmes, thereby reinforcing the trust between police and the general public. As a consequence, the public is often more receptive when asked to submit to breathalyser tests.

Random Breath Testing (RBT)

  • "Random Breath Testing" (RBT) occurs when law enforcement officers randomly stop motorists to administer breathalyser exams.

Installation of Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in Vehicles

  • Installing IID's appears to be more effective than suspending licenses in preventing recidivism among drivers with histories of alcohol-related problems. Installing IIDs, in combination with educational programmes, also seems effective in reducing incidences of repeat offenses.

Breathalyser Programmes in Bars, Restaurants and Schools

  • Some public venues offer free access to breathalysers for the public. These establishments often offer other responsible drinking and driving approaches, particularly when they host widely attended events. School officials often participate to educate students about the problems associated with underage drinking and driving.

Featured Initiative

Carnival 2006

Sponsor: AB InBev, Brazil

    • In Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, five thousand disposable breathalysers were donated to local and federal government agencies.
    • In Recife and Olinda, a memory game helped to entertain carnival goers and to convey the messages: "Its fun to go and to come back" and, for those unfit to drive, "Take a Ride."

For more information see the website.

Further Resources

Useful Approaches for this topic.