Let's face it, the professional world, and many other respected worlds (politics, sports, clubs, etc), center their social activities around drinking. Few of us that drink can say that they have never operated a motor vehicle after having at least one beer. It is very hard to avoid it, frankly. When entering the car after drinking, there is always that uncertainty with whether or not you are over the legal limit. With that in mind, I was thinking the other night, "Wouldn't it be great if I could eliminate that uncertainty?" Then I began googling. I came up with this: http://alcotester.com/alcomatepro.htm It's a law-enforcement grade self breathalyzer test. Blow on it, get your reading, and poof, you are ready to either drive or wait. Before you laugh, remember that Intoxication Assault is a 3rd degree felony, punishable by at least 2 years (max 10) in jail. Intoxication manslaughter is a 2nd degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. The DWI punishments aren't easy either. Anyone tried the Alcomate?
I honestly think that they should have those things that make you pass a test before you can start your car on all cars. Unfortunately, people would see it as a violation of personal liberties rather than a life saver. BTW, in case there's anyone out there that doesn't already know this, DON'T BLOW!!!!! You never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever blow if you've had any alcohol at all. Hell, I'm not sure if I'd blow if I was stone-cold sober. Sure, you'll be taken to jail, but chances are you were going to go anyway. This way, at least you may be able to fight things better down the road. If you blow over the legal limit, you are screwed. If you get one of these, let us know. It'd be interesting to see how well it works.
From the law offices of Sam H Lock: http://www.samlocklaw.com/dwi.html DWI Texas law treats those accused of Driving While Intoxicated harshly. A first time DWI offender faces a possible license suspension by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. Those individuals with prior convictions for D.W.I. face even stiffer penalties. Even bonding subsequent offenders out of jail before the initial court date becomes a dicey proposition in some cases. A third D.W.I. offense may be charged as a third degree felony, carrying a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Know Your Rights 1. Right to Remain Silent - You have a right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions which a police officer asks you during a DWI encounter. You are being videotaped. Everything you say and do could potentially be seen by a jury deciding your fate. 2. Breath and Blood Tests - You have a right to refuse blood and breath tests offered to you by law enforcement. You are not required to blow into the hand-held device that some officers now carry. This hand-held device has not met the criteria required to be admissible in court. There is no criminal penalty for refusing a blood or breath test. There is a potential driver’s license suspension for refusal to provide a "breath specimen." If you elect to refuse, do so politely. Remember, you are being filmed. 3. Possible Suspension of Driver's License - These days, an arresting officer is legally authorized to literally take your license away from you at the station because he suspects you are Driving While Intoxicated. He is required to issue you a Temporary Driving Permit. In the slew of papers you receive upon release from jail, there is a form that attempts to explain that you have a right to a hearing regarding the suspension of your driver’s license. YOU OR YOUR LAWYER MUST REQUEST THIS HEARING WITHIN 15 DAYS OF YOUR ARREST DATE or the hearing is waived and your license will be suspended automatically. This hearing can be invaluable in the litigation of your case. 4. The Right to a Jury Trial - You have a right to a lawyer, a jury trial and a presumption of innocence. You are innocent UNLESS proven guilty. For many individuals accused of D.W.I., this experience is the first with the legal system. There is no guarantee of probation after a jury trial, but most misdemeanor D.W.I. cases result in probation, even after jury trial. You and your lawyer should approach your case as one that needs to be tried. Each case must be assessed individually, of course. But, the D.W.I. defendant is uniquely situated in the world of criminal law. D.W.I. is an opinion crime and many times a jury of one’s peers is required to sort out fact and fiction.
Look it up on Amazon for reviews, as probably not too many people have one. Good idea, though. If a few $ to invest in the device can keep one drunk driver off the road, it is well worth it.
Sam, you sure got lucky by finding that on page one of the google image search for taxi. You probably can't afford a car, living in New York. This topic doesn't have much relevance for you, son.
You're just jealous of the comedic genius, impeccable timing, and laugh out loud hilarity of the Danish kiddie taxi post. This day will live on in BBS history. DANISHKIDDIETAXOWNED But anyway, yes, as often as I can I hammer myself into a state of inebriation, and I never, ever, ever worry about getting a DUI. Life stinks.
If you think you might be close to even remotely failing the self breathalzyer test, but not quite, let me know so I can get off the road.
Nice edit there to keep it somewhat on topic, Sam. I see you are still smarting from the Separation of Church and State shaming that you experience in the D&D. Sorry for that. I'd much rather worry about getting a DWI than to live in the stink hole that is New York. Now excuse me while I retreat into my dining room to admire my view.
I've seen the breathalyzer self tests before at sharper image.. In case you want to bring some beer to the mall, and ask to try.
God I love topics where T_J and Sam go back and forth....it is pure comedic brilliance! Anyways, yeah like RM95 said, never blow. I know a guy that went through this, and because he didn't blow he was able to hire a lawyer and keep this off his record. Sure, it costs him quite a bit in legal fees, but that's better than having one of these beauties on your record. They're only $135 for the self-breathalyzer?....I thought they'd be higher than that.
The things do sound like good ideas.. and could save some lives.. maybe they could give you an insurance discount or something for having one in your car...
as a non american, can someone explain to me why you can refuse a random breath test? as it is something that doesn't happen here is Australia
maybe they just shouldn't drink and drive, what fricken crappy legal system, surely if you drink and drive and you get caught you deserve to be punished
Oh Sam, you are so clever! Trying to manipulate my quote like that. It's such a shame that you are plagued by the little red x. Pooooooor Sam. BACKFIRED Edit: I see you have replaced your little red x with a picture of Star Jones Reynolds. Nice attempt at cutting your losses.
Star Jones Reynolds? only a true fan would know her married name. I salute you for your overt concern for her welfare.
I'd hit it. Re: RM95's post at the top of this thread, that is a good point. You could make the argument that you do not have any right to operate a motor vehicle while over the legal limit, so the sobriety-check should be mandatory. Then again, you could extend that and say the highest posted speed limit in your county of residence is X miles per hour, so we're going to install a governor in your car to limit you to X miles per hour.
Taxis everywhere are one of the things I LOVED about living in NY and London. Anytime you get out of a bar you raise your arm and say 'driver, take me home.' As long as you're sober enough to do that, you're styling. Keep on keepin on, Sam.
derail. anyway. how many beers does it take for me to get drunk? i go 130 lbs. one and a half bottles?
