Driving an automobile under the influence of alcohol is a seriously irresponsible thing to do. The numbers of casualties and fatalities it causes are way too high. We do need some form of deterrent to help to eliminate drink driving completely. Although still highly controversial, the implementation of random roadside breath tests is once again being considered, this time with an even greater sense of urgency.

One of the main evils of alcohol is that it clouds judgment. People, young and old, have consistently behaved irresponsibly over the years when their judgment is impaired. Young drivers, with the feeling of being indestructible take more risks than their older counterparts. Older drivers have the comfort of having driven for years which lulls them into a false sense of security and they too are dangerous. Some people because they have a greater tolerance for alcohol can drive, seemingly safely, without causing injury to themselves or anyone else. This results in a state of misguided security, which can eventually translate into a major incident as they are in effect ‘an accident waiting to happen’. Random breath testing jolts these sections of society to rethink their habits and will help to avoid future carnage.

Alcohol is extremely sneaky – after a couple of drinks you can convince yourself that you are absolutely sober, alert, sharp and in full control of your senses. In fact, and this has been proven in the US, nothing can be further from the truth – once you step into your car after even a miniscule amount of alcohol your senses are impaired, reflexes are way slower and it only takes a nano second to cause devastation. Your car becomes a lethal weapon and can wreak havoc by just the extended blink of an eye, the lack, or too much pressure on the brakes or missing a glance in the rear-view mirror.

There isn’t anyone, young or old, who really wants to be involved in, or involve anyone else in, an incident which can wreck lives, destroy families and cause guilty flashback nightmares for life. Anyone who thinks they are invincible is really in a massive state of denial and the ‘it’ll never happen to me’ attitude is basically nonsense. Advertising and gory newsflashes, rather than being a wake up call to these offenders, doesn’t seem to penetrate their brains and they keep on drinking and driving in the belief that they are fireproof. Random roadside breath tests will make a difference to these drivers as they will have to ‘think before they drink’ rather than risking a roadside check and hefty penalty.

Scandinavia, Australia, Ireland, Spain and England have already implemented random breath checks resulting in a positive change in the whole drinking culture. Now instead of drinking and jumping back into their cars the drivers in these countries designate a non-drinking driver or take a taxi home. Some establishments even offer to take customers home – thus keeping their trade brisk while keeping the roads safe. There are fewer drink related accidents in these countries as a result of random breath tests.

What possible reason can any of us cite against preventing maiming or death of a small child? Absolutely none! Those who believe it an infringement of their civil liberties need to awake up and smell the coffee! What about the civil liberties of the child lying dead or badly hurt by the roadside, all because someone didn’t want to be inconvenienced by taking a breath test? Because that’s exactly what it amounts to. All we need is a little more tolerance to bring about the greater good. Surely we can all tolerate a minor inconvenience, if and when we get pulled over? I can for one. How about you?

The article is by Robin Saunders, an experienced writer that has been reporting about different subjects including alcohol, breathalyzers, DUI etc. The author uses an Alcohawk himself and it’s time that you own one too.