Hygienic, mouthless breathalyzers to greet drunk drivers very soon

The Delhi traffic police are promising “germ-free” drives against drunken driving that at the same time will be more steadfast.

Do you fear catching an infection while putting your mouth on the breathalyzer when caught drunk driving? There might be some respite, though not in the amount of punishment if found under the influence of alcohol.

HT Image

The Delhi traffic police are promising “germ-free” drives against drunken driving that at the same time will be more steadfast.

A unique gadget called Alcoscan will be put to use within a month to make the preliminary alcohol checks on drivers more scientific, hygienic and reliable. The police said that Alcoscan — designed in Canada — is an easy-to-use, passive breath alcohol countermeasure system, with a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor. “The machine — without a mouthpiece — will be able to sniff the environment for the presence of alcohol,” said a police official.

“We have been experimenting with the gadget for the past three days. Soon, we will place an order of about 100 gadgets. We hope that the new system will be implemented within a month,” said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic). Each gadget will cost around Rs 3,000.

As against the prevalent practice of the use-and-throw straws of alcometer — which may spread diseases if not changed regularly — in case of Alcoscan, the drivers will not have to touch any part of the machine. "It is hoped that this will restrict the chances of contracting diseases such as hepatitis or wounds (ulcer or cracked lips)," he said.