When the call came that we needed a brave soul to put their body on the line, and undergo a series of scientific experiments in the name of journalism, without trepidation I put up my hand. The conversation went something like this: “Who wants to test these digital breathalysers? You'll need to have a couple of alcoholic drinks...” and I was there like a shot (sorry, bad pun).
Designed to cut down on drunk driving, the two devices, the AT118 and AT128, are both pocket-sized so are easy enough to take out with you, or leave in the glovebox.
The idea is that you can self-test your alcoholic intake levels before getting behind the wheel. These are not for heavy drinking sessions at the pub. They are most useful for when you've had a couple of drinks, perhaps with a meal, and need to see whether you should stick around for a coffee or dessert.
With the look and feel of something found in a Christmas cracker, the AT118 comes with a handy keyring chain. It's the lesser technically advanced of the two, with robot-like green, orange and red lights. One downside is you need to hold down the top button to prepare the device, wait until the green light flashes, blow into the device and wait to see what colour lights up - all with the button held in. We kept forgetting to keep the button held down for the whole process (and this was before we even had a drink!). We also weren't sure if the breath sample was being analysed or if we were clear to drive as both are indicated by the same green light.
The Alc Nose AT128 looks like a mini digital dictaphone and is easier to use than the AT118. The AT128 boasts a digital screen and offers precise indications of your intake levels. While this is great for heavy party nights to see who's consumed the most booze, unless you know and remember the legal limit for driving off by heart (it's 0.05% blood alcohol content for regular drivers, by the way), it's less useful for the purpose of finding out if you're over the limit to drive.
While both devices have disadvantages, the cost and practicality of self-testing are much less than having to sit in the back of a police car and subsequent jail cells to do the same.
In summary
Best for: Drivers and party people
Digital Life says: Anything that makes people question whether they're fit to drive after drinking can only be a good thing.
AT118
Plus: Robot lights (green, orange, red) mean it's simple to find out whether you're okay to drive, near or over the limit
Minus: Button has to be held down for entire operation of the test
Rating: 87%
Price: R99
AT128
Plus: Precise measurements and easy to use
Minus: Simply showing numbers fails to convey a sense of danger if drink/drive limit is reached or exceeded
Rating: 91%
Price: R199
Contact: www.breathalysers.co.za
Reviewed by Adrian Hinchcliffe
Share
