South African police and traffic officials are faced with a number of challenges when it comes to reducing the rate of drink driving incidents on our roads.
Breathalysers are commonly employed by police in random checks and roadblocks, however, there are a number of problems typically encountered which negatively impact the efficacy of these checks, says Rhys Evans, director of ALCO-Safe.
Questions around the calibration of instruments used, issues with incorrect use and tight budgets all need to be overcome to ensure the effectiveness of testing solutions. Only once alcohol testing is implemented effectively will it act as a successful deterrent to prevent people from driving under the influence. This requires the use of sophisticated instruments that address the common challenges experienced.
One of the most common issues faced is that of perpetrators questioning the calibration of breathalyser testing instruments. If an instrument is not correctly calibrated, the results of the test are inadmissible. The challenge for the police is in knowing when an instrument is due for re-calibration to ensure it remains accurate.
Today, however, there are instruments available that provide a 20-day warning when calibration is due, to ensure enough notice is given. In addition, these devices will continue to warn that they are due for calibration, and if this process is not completed, will shut down when calibration is overdue. This prevents the issue of un-calibrated devices being used to perform tests.
In addition to the challenge of calibration, it can prove difficult to accurately track the number of tests completed, identify the number that exceeded the blood/alcohol limit and then compare these figures with the number of arrests made.
New instruments include a GPS, so that senior officers can see exactly where tests have been performed, with logs and GPS co-ordinates. The logs record every test that was completed for easy reference to the number of positive results achieved. The devices incorporate two memory banks, only one of which can be erased by the user, so these records are always available. Senior officers can then compare the number of positive tests with the number of arrests made, and can thus clamp down on unsavoury practices.
Further to these challenges, the on-going cost of operating breathalyser devices is always an issue, particularly when budgets are tight. Each and every test on a typical breathalyser needs to be performed with a brand new, sealed mouthpiece. If, for example, these mouthpieces cost R2 each, and at a roadblock 1000 people are tested, the cost of this adds up to R2 000. If there are 10 such roadblocks across a province in one evening, the cost increases to R20 000, a significant sum particularly regarding the continuing problems on the roads regarding drink driving.
In addition to the cost, the requirement to continually use a new mouthpiece for each test adds significant time to each test, as well as having a detrimental environmental impact. On top of this, traditional breathalysers require the breath sample to be taken in a certain way, requiring a demonstration from the officer. If this procedure is not followed, the sample will not be obtained, wasting even more time.
With the latest technology, however, there is no need for a mouthpiece in order to conduct a simple ‘pass or fail’ test, nor is there any challenge with obtaining the sample. Users simply blow onto the top of the device for an instant alcohol positive or negative result based on the national alcohol limit. If alcohol is detected, a further test can then be taken to detect specific levels, should this be required. These devices use a pressure sensor and will only capture a sample when enough air pressure is detected from the subject. Subjects therefore cannot cheat the system by sucking instead of blowing, and results can be obtained in a fraction of the time.
Further to these important features, new technology also enables breathalysers to make use of rechargeable batteries, which furthers cost saving ability and environmental friendliness. In order to ensure they are always up and running, these devices are also supplied with a car charger, so officers can charge the device while they travel.
When it comes to reducing the rate of drink driving on local roads, breathalyser tests remain one of the most important tools available. However, it is important to look to the latest technology in order to address a number of challenges typically experienced with traditional solutions.
ALCO-Safe will be exhibiting a range of breathalyser solutions ideal for the police service at the first joint conference of the Institute of Traffic and Municipal Police Officers South Africa (ITMPO-SA) and Institute of License Officials South Africa (ILO-SA). This event takes place from 5-7 November 2014 at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre. The theme of the conference centres on ethics and performance management as well as “maintaining the moral high ground in the traffic and licensing environment”.
