subject: Innovative Sobriety Tests [print this page] Each year, new and innovative sobriety tests are introduced to the United States in an effort to curb driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol or discourage repeat offenses. As these new, improved testing options become available, states must vote on their constitutionality and effectiveness. Once this is established in a state, other states will likely begin the process for themselves, and soon multiple states are using the new testing method. Here are a few examples:
One of the most scientifically advanced sobriety tests to date involves an eye movement scanner and pupil size indicator. This innovative machine watches your eye movements, and gauges the size of your pupils, in order to give the testing officer a more educated guess as to whether the driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol. When used in conjunction with other testing, such as blood alcohol content, BAC, tests, this could be a very effective means of identifying drivers who are under the legal limit but still too impaired to drive.
Although it may seem like a violation of children's rights, many schools have taken a strong stand against alcohol by implementing machines similar to breathalyzers that test a young person's sobriety when it seems to be an issue. These have been used for years at proms, dances, sporting events, and so on at schools, but are becoming a daily necessity in some states. The machines have not been ruled a violation of any child's rights, as they are solely used to protect that child, and all other children and faculty at the school, against the potentially violent side effects associated with alcohol impairment for young people.
Finally, a cell phone would be one of the smartest ways to test sobriety, especially if it also helped keep people from doing other dumb things in addition to driving under the influence. A cell phone introduced by LG in 2006 can test your BAC, and then offers a helpful screen display for people too impaired to make phone calls. It works much like a standard breathalyzer, with a place to blow into the phone, and then compares the breath with the legal limit to give an accurate reading. Although not a common find in the United States, this phone would be a great addition to the sobriety testing family.
With all of the new and improved ways to determine sobriety, it becomes even more apparent that having someone on your side if you are arrested for DUI is critical. Fight for your rights by getting someone involved who understands the legal system and the laws that define DUI in a particular state. DUI lawyers are the best way to protect your rights, and your future, so consult with one early in the case for the best outcome possible.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
