BreathalEyes: Putting the technology to the test - AmericaNowNews.com

BreathalEyes: Putting the technology to the test

You're at a bar, you've had a few drinks. You think you're good to drive, but what if you could know if you're over the legal limit?

It's as easy as reaching for your phone, or so the makers of the iPhone app claim. It's called BreathalEyes, and it uses your phone's camera to measure horizontal gaze nystagmus; the same field sobriety test sometimes used by police to check eye movement. The app detects HGN to estimate your blood alcohol content.

It's a bold claim, so we decided to put the app to the test against an actual breathalyzer. The app's website has a prominent legal section with disclaimers, for entertainment purposes only, and claims the technology has gone through 40 years of testing.

We asked two local bartenders to have a few drinks and submit to the app and breathalyzer. The instructions are clear and the results don't take long.

Maegan's app readings were varied. The first time she was right at the legal limit, .08, then .06, and .12. With the actual breathalyzer, Maegan blew much higher; .20 back to back.

Josh had three different readings with the app. .05, .12 and .11. The actual breathalyzer read .19 and .16. Again, higher readings than the app.

The results don't surprise either tester.

"I didn't really know what to think...I hadn't really heard of the app before. But now I don't really trust it. I think it's kind of ridiculous," said Maegan.

"It would end up being a contest...who could get more intoxicated. It would not deter them from driving," said Josh.

Local law enforcement agree, but say BreathalEyes could be beneficial for some.

"It does raise awareness and if it makes people stop and think if they're drinking, you know, 'Am I impaired? Should I be getting behind the wheel?' that's a good thing, potentially. The down side of it is, if people rely upon it and expect it to be accurate, they're probably putting a lot of faith into a free or 99-cent application that has some limitations," said Lieutenant Don Kelly with the Baton Rouge Police Department.

Copyright 2013 America Now. All rights reserved.

  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Dust, a seemingly harmless substance can cause harmful health issues in the office or workplace.
    Dust, a seemingly harmless substance can cause harmful health issues in the office or workplace.
  • Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. One woman found that out the hard way when her dog ate a bunch of grapes! Turns out, that's one of the most dangerous foods
    Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. But these common snacks could be fatal for Fido.
  • Hundreds of house fires are started by home office equipment each year - and these fires are linked to more than 20 million dollars in direct property damage!
    Hundreds of house fires are started by home office equipment each year - and these fires are linked to more than 20 million dollars in direct property damage! America Now finds out how to protect your home and possibly save your life.
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and America Now. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.