On the Road, Safely, Thanks to BacTrack Breathalyzers
As part of our week-long series on transportation gear, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention auto safety. Using that cell phone (with signal thanks to your booster) is dangerous enough, but 40000+ people a year die in automobile accidents, and some of those fatalities are caused by drunk driving.
Inexpensive, portable, and easy-to-use blood alcohol monitors mean that there is no excuse for not knowing when you are ‘over the limit’, or above .08 percent. We’ve been testing out the BACTRACK S75 Breathalyzer, their newest and most accurate model. This product provides the perfect alternative for the average party-goer to avoid risking an expensive DUI at the affordable price of less than $150.
Accuracy is probably the most important aspect of a breathalyzer test and this device is not a let down. It is equipped with Xtend™ Fuel Cell Sensor Technology so you receive no false positives due to, say, diabetes or your diet. We liked that it operates on 2 AA batteries, helpfully included, and can last for up to 1500 blows on a pair- plenty of power for even the most ardent beer hounds among us.
The old style of having to rotate or twist the breathalyzer after the initial countdown is long gone. The S75 model has a front- facing mouthpiece and a sleek design to make hand-held use as simple as possible. Weighing less than 5 ounces, the portability of this product is great for both men and women and fits comfortably into the palm of your hand (as well as in a purse or your glove compartment). Your blood alcohol content level is displayed within ten seconds of blowing into the device, though there is a warm up time of ten to twenty seconds- the perfect amount of time to turn on the radio and catch a Lady Gaga intro before deciding whether you can drive. A small note for those suffering in the snow- the device doesn’t work well below freezing (32 °F).
What really makes this product worthwhile is the mouthpieces are easy to use, washable, and best of all, reusable. Six mouthpieces come with the device and if you find yourself needing more refills you can purchase a refill pack of 50. The price won’t set you back either at $30. Finally, a note to all of those who might be thinking that they’ll simply walk or bike home when they’ve had a few too many- the Mace Gear won’t protect you, so consider getting a BAC tester as well (several other models are available, including the oh-so-slim single-use version).
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