The hope is that the iPod's cool factor will take away some of the stigma of acting responsibly and using a breathalyzer, Bassler said. That's also why the device doubles as an FM transmitter for broadcasting tunes on the iPod to an unused radio frequency, to listen to music in the car.
"We figured, OK, if it's only a breathalyzer, the chances are this thing is coming off the iPod and sitting in the drawer," Bassler said. "If we put in the FM transmitter, they might keep it on there."
Advocacy groups working to combat drunk driving worry that the iBreath might promote binge drinking and create a false sense of security.
Laura Dean-Mooney, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said she worried that young people would use the breathalyzer for drinking games, to see who could score the highest reading. (The iBreath caps readings at 0.20, more than twice the legal definition of intoxication.)
Moreover, Dean-Mooney questions the accuracy of the device. Law enforcement agents use instruments that are calibrated monthly, and accurate readings require the person taking a field sobriety test to blow "deep lung air," she said. iBreath claims to offer results in as little as five seconds within 0.01% accuracy.
"I'm afraid it not only causes young people to use it as a training tool but also gives them a false sense of security. 'I'm good to go,' " Dean-Mooney said. "Your blood-alcohol content goes up for 30 minutes after you stop drinking."
The best solution, she said, is to designate a sober driver before drinking begins, or take public transportation.
"There's no need to risk hurting yourself or other innocent people when you can simply plan ahead," Dean-Mooney said.
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dawn.chmielewski@latimes.com
