The wristband would measure your level of intoxication through your sweat.
One of the challenges of avoiding a driving under the influence (DUI) charge is not knowing exactly when you have had too much alcohol to safely drive. The best course of action is to always have a designated driver or otherwise avoid driving if you have been drinking. But there are many situations where you just have one or two drinks, and your ability to drive is not impaired. How can you figure out if it is OK to drive?
For years, individuals who want to make sure that their blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit (.08% for most drivers) have purchased portable breathalyzers. These gadgets are relatively inexpensive, but are not always reliable. However, researchers are developing a new way to measure BAC that may make it possible to check your level of intoxication before getting behind the wheel.
A group of scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have been working on a wristband that can track a person’s level of impairment. These devices have sensors that collect data through the sweat on your skin. The sensors measure your transdermal alcohol concentration levels (TAC), which shows how much ethanol is in the sweat on your skin. This data is then transmitted to an app on your phone, where you can then see the amount of alcohol in your system. A different version of this device works with Apple Watches — you just have to switch out the wrist band for the version that is equipped with sensors.
However, according to a DUI attorney in Orange County, CA, this data is not yet as reliable as breathalyzer, blood or urine test results. Researchers have also measured users’ BAC using these traditional methods, and have found that the TAC measurement is close — but not the same — as the measurements taken through blood, urine, or breath tests. In addition, there is a lag of 24 and 30 minutes for the readings to start after you have your first drink.
While
this new technology offers promise, it is not yet a substitute for
the tests performed by law enforcement. If the devices are
perfected, they may be a good way to determine if it safe for you to
drive based on your BAC. However, it is important to remember that
even if your BAC is relatively low, you can still be charged with a
DUI under California law if your ability to drive is impaired.
The best and safest way for you to avoid a California DUI is to never drive after you have been drinking. If you are charged with a DUI, then you will need a DUI attorney in Orange County, CA to defend you. While it may seem easier to simply take a plea offered by the prosecutor, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences on your life — from possible jail time to losing your license to having to pay significantly higher insurance premiums for years in the future.
The Chambers Law Firm is dedicated to advocating for people who have been charged with DUIs. Contact our firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a DUI attorney in Orange County, CA.
