From allowing us to turn lights on and off remotely to getting emails on the run, as well as checking the internet, the weather, tracking our diets, the number of steps we’re walking each day, how much sleep we get – smartphones are literally changing the way we live our lives.
Did you know there are smartphone applications that even make it possible to know if you or a friend have had too much to drink before you or they get behind the wheel of a car? These applications generally utilize sensor technology that can measure blood alcohol as accurately as police breathalyzers.
Interestingly, data has just been released by the San Francisco-based breathalyzer manufacturer BACtrack on the results of tests run by app users in the last year (April 2013-April 2014). Among other things, the data shows the highest blood alcohol levels are routinely recorded on Saturday nights with readings as dangerously high as 0.113 on average. In Connecticut, drivers over age 21 have an elevated BAC if it is found to be .08 or more. Drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle (e.g., a large truck) have an elevated BAC if it is .04 or more. Drivers younger than 21 have an elevated BAC if it is found to be .02 or more.
The BACtrack report also showed that New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, and Valentine’s Day were the days with the highest average blood alcohol levels. Of note – the first official weekend of summer (around June 21) is another time when levels were dangerously high.
Drunk drivers kill. They kill passengers in other cars, they kill family members, they kill pedestrians. And even when they don’t kill – they cause catastrophic, life-changing car accidents.
Tips for a Safe Summer
- Never drink and drive.
- Never operate a boat or other watercraft when drinking.
- If you are going to drink – find a safe ride home… and have a sober pilot captain your boat.
- Consider purchasing a breathalyzer app for your smartphone so that you know when you or your designated driver are unsafe to drive.
If you are ever injured in an accident with a drunk driver on Connecticut roads, call a qualified Connecticut personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable Connecticut personal injury lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
The lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have handled hundreds of drunk driving accident cases over our nearly 60 years serving the people of Connecticut. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area.
Please contact us if we can help you. The consultation is free and there is no obligation of any kind. And – there is no fee or other costs unless we are successful on your behalf.