Common Myths About Car Breathalyzers

Posted by Julia Philips on January 21st, 2020

The breathalyser is a device that approximates someone’s Breath Alcohol Content by testing a breath sample. Pretty straightforward, right? Despite being an important tool in the fight against drunk driving, there is still a considerable amount of misinformation about car breathalyzers out there. To help bring you up to speed, here are 4 Common myths about car breathalyzers that simply aren’t true.

Myth 1: Drinking water will lower my test results

NO amount of water is going to trick a vehicle breathalyzer. Drinking water after you’ve had too much to drink will help rehydrate you, but it doesn’t clear alcohol out of your system. The only thing that will lower your (and by extension, your breathalyzer results) is time. If you want to avoid a vehicle breathalyzer lockout, you’ll just have to wait until the body rids itself of the alcohol.

Myth 2: Breathalyzers are difficult to use

Modern breathalyzers are sophisticated pieces of technology, so it makes sense that some people might think they’re difficult to operate. The truth is that if you can operate your smartphone, a breathalyzer will be a easy For instance, the Drivesafe Handheld Breathalyzer features a user-friendly design, with an easy-to-understand digital readout and one-button operation. It also only needs to be calibrated once a year, so you can be sure it will provide accurate test results every time.

Myth 3: An ignition interlock can harm my vehicle

If you’ve had an ignition interlock device installed, you may have wondered if it can harm your vehicle in some way, especially after it’s uninstalled. The truth is that as long as you have it installed and removed by a professional technician, there’s nothing to worry about. A vehicle breathalyzer is wired into the ignition and if you get it removed, the wiring will be returned to the way it was before the device was installed. Nothing in your vehicle is actually changed, so an ignition interlock also won’t void any warranties on your car.

Myth 4: Vehicle breathalyzers are just for drivers with DUIs

Ignition interlock breathalyzers have a stigma attached to them, as we often associate them with drunk drivers. Contrary to popular belief, a DUI conviction is only one of many reasons why a breathalyzer might be installed in a vehicle. A breathalyzer can be installed voluntarily as an added safety feature and this practice has become increasingly popular with parents of young drivers.

According to MADD statistics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among young adults aged 16-25, with alcohol and/or drugs being a factor in more than half of all incidents. Installing a vehicle breathalyzer voluntarily can provide peace of mind to parents, teach young drivers safe driving habits, and instill a sobriety mindset.

Looking to have more myths about breathalyzers dispelled? Get in touch with Not Your Child Corp. today. Our line of interlock devices keep young drivers and your vehicle safe.