Breathalyzer Facts & Myths

There are a lot of myths floating around about how breathalyzers work, and what you can do to avoid getting busted when you choose to drink and drive. Here are some of the most popular ones.

1. Putting a penny in your mouth will lower the BAC levels that you blow. This is totally bogus and will do nothing but leave a bad taste in your mouth.

2. Using breath cleansers like gum, mints or breath sprays before you blow will lower the BAC you blow into the breathalyzer. While this may work to disguise the smell of the BAC to an officer, the breathlyzer will not be fooled. Gum, mints or any other breath cleanser is nice to have around but don’t count on it getting you out of trouble.

3. Using mouthwatch will confuse the breathalyzer test. Because mouthwash has a trace amount of alochol for the cleaning, not only is this myth not true, it’s the opposite. Using mouthwash before you blow can actually raise the BAC levels.

4. Breathalyzes are 100% or close to 100% accurate. This is sad, but not true. Breathalyzer tests are only an indication of BAC levels and are not completely accurate. This has lead to a lot of controversy over whether or not they should be allowed to depend on the BAC levels and have it hold up in a court of law.

If you have heard of any more intersting “facts” that you find hard to believe or are unsure about. Misinformation is very dangerous and we suggest that instead of spending your time trying to figure out how to fool the breathalyzer, you spend that time researching and finding out how to avoid driving after drinking instead. The safer the roads for everyone, the less accidents and the better everyone’s life will be. Remember that when you drink and drive, you are not only endangering yourself, but others as well.