Why you should consider options besides a breathalyzer in DUI cases
Often times people are arrested on a police officer’s
suspicion of drunk driving. The driver may have had only a drink or two but
might still not have that feeling of being completely under the influence of
alcohol. The next step is for a breathalyzer, blood test, or even a urine
test to be taken by the suspected DUI offender. The breathalyzer is the most
customary choice among presumed drunk drivers. This choice often ruins an
person’s chances to prove their innocence. A number of pieces of advice
should be taken into account when choosing which alcohol test to take.
1.) Avoid the breathalyzer completely if you are someone who diets often,
especially low-carb dies. Even if you merely haven’t had much to eat in an
hour or two, it is best to choose another DUI test. When someone is on a
low-carb diet or hasn’t eaten in awhile, there is a creation of glucose in
the liver that gets inhibited creating a plummet in blood sugar. This causes
ketoacidosis , creating a by-product called acetone. Acetone is very similar
to acetaldehyde, both of which are read as alcohol by a breathalyzer. Even
an entirely healthy person who consumed only a few drinks of alcohol will
experience embellished, fake symptoms of drunk driving.
2.) Using breath spray or mouthwash is another common, but often fatal
mistake driver’s make. Many drivers first instinct when they see those
flashing lights behind them is to grab their mouthwash in hopes to cover up
the smell of alcohol on their breath. However, what many people don’t
realize is that the mouthwash they use has 27% alcohol in it and that
alcohol can stay in their oral cavity for 20 minutes and will display an
inaccurate and abnormally high reading on a breathalyzer.
3.) Smoking cigarettes can cause a fairly large rise in the breathalyzer
reading. The lungs of smokers contain greater amounts of a compound called
acetaldehyde than the lungs of non-smokers. Acetaldehyde is produced in the
liver as a result in the metabolism of alcohol and breathalyzer’s cannot
decipher alcohol from acetaldehyde.
4.) An inaccurate reading result from something as simple as burping before
taking the breathalyzer. Even if you have acid reflux it is advisable to
request to give a blood sample instead. The reason for this is similar to #2
in that belching and acid reflux can force the alcoholic gases in your
stomach into your esophagus, throat, and oral cavity, where again, they will
stay for up to 20 minutes. This causes unusually high and inaccurate
readings.
5.) Diabetics are plagued with low blood sugar levels every day. These
people should always avoid the breath test for the same reasons as anyone
who is on a low-carb diet or hasn’t eaten in awhile. The low-blood sugar
creates a false reading of acetaldehyde, not alcohol. Even worse, diabetics
who have low-blood sugar almost always experience symptoms of
lightheadedness, faintness, lack of coordination, blurry vision, and slurred
speech; all of which are symptoms that a police officer might deem as
intoxication.
Last updated Sept. 14, 2007
|
If you need legal assistance in your city, click on one of the directories below: