In today’s world, we’re more connected and informed than ever before, with thousands of smartphone apps and consumer electronics that are designed to make our lives better. So what if we could use our advanced technology to keep ourselves safe on the roads? A new branch of public health is focusing on harnessing the power of online apps, cell phone features, and portable devices, to prevent dangerous car accidents and other hazards while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While the consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs like marijuana may not ever go out of style, hopefully putting yourself and others in danger on the roads will! Check out these new apps and tools that may assist you in staying safe and enjoying your life responsibly:
- Portable breathalyzers
Knowledge is power, and knowing ahead of time what your approximate blood alcohol content (BAC) is before you leave the bar or party is a smart move. There are several models available on the market, and some may not be admissible in a court setting, but these can help you understand how alcohol affects you personally, and keep track of how inebriated you get in a certain timeframe. Many people are happy with the BACtrack® products.
- Blood alcohol estimators
Thanks to some smart math and personalized data like your height, weight, and gender, you can estimate your blood alcohol level on your smartphone. You can use these apps to track how many drinks you’ve had, what kind of alcohol they were made with, and visually see your blood alcohol level rise, peak, and fall over an estimated time frame. IntelliDrink and AlcoDroid are popular choices, for iOS and Android users, respectively.
- Alternative rides
While they’re nothing new, rideshare apps are the perfect solution to a night out drinking with friends. Remove the option of driving yourself home altogether, and simply request a ride from your smartphone using a popular app like Uber or Lyft.
- Checkpoint avoiders
A relatively new player on the scene is the app Waze, which uses crowd-sourced information to point out things like speed traps, accidents, and police checkpoints on your route. While users (including cops) can upload anything they wish (including false information), with some updates, it may be a possible option if you would rather avoid a DUI checkpoint.
When it comes to keeping everyone safe on the roads, prevention is key. Try these technologies next time you’re out drinking, and if you need an experienced DUI attorney in Greensboro, get in touch with the law office of E.J. Boswell today!