An innovative interactive breathalyser designed to reduce drink-driving incidents is being piloted in the UK this December. The automated device, named Flinebox, was created by two Belgian brothers after their grandmother was tragically killed by a drink-driver. It is set to make its debut at the Mill on the Exe pub in Exeter.
The technology aims to encourage responsible drinking during the festive period by allowing pub-goers to test their alcohol levels before deciding to drive. If the trial proves successful, the breathalyser could be rolled out across Devon and Cornwall next summer.
The Flinebox analyses a user’s breath to determine whether they are under or over the drink-drive limit. However, pub-goers are reminded that it can take up to half an hour for alcohol to fully enter the bloodstream, which could affect the results. Adelin Jacques de Dixmude, one of the inventors, stated: “It is the first interactive breathalyser and will use the same alcohol sensor technology as law enforcement. I want to help people make the safest decision when drinking and thinking about driving.”
The machine has been successfully introduced to pubs and clubs in Belgium and France, according to Mr Jacques de Dixmude. In the UK, hundreds of people are killed or seriously injured in drink-driving-related crashes each year. Even small amounts of alcohol significantly increase the risk of fatal collisions, making drivers six times more likely to be involved in an accident and three times more likely to be killed.
Devon and Cornwall Police have released body-worn video footage showing drivers being stopped, breathalysed, and arrested as part of a continued crackdown on drink and drug-driving. The force has also praised pubs and bars participating in initiatives like Lift Legend, which rewards designated drivers with free soft drinks at over 200 participating establishments across the region.
Mike Collins, general manager of the Mill on the Exe, said pub staff do “everything” they can to prevent drink driving during the busy season. He noted: “We have got more than 3,000 people pre-booked for work festive meals. Sometimes, the festivities get away with people and anything we can do to stop them getting behind the wheel after having alcoholic drinks, we will.”
Adrian Leisk from Devon and Cornwall Police added that designated driver schemes like Lift Legend promote “responsible drinking” while still supporting community pubs. He stated: “We’re really trying to promote responsible drinking, and we recognize it is really tough times at the moment for pubs. We need pubs to continue. They’re the lifeblood of the community, but far too often my colleagues are knocking on the door of relatives breaking the bad news that their loved ones have been killed by a drunk driver.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
