The law and drink driving

Originally Posted by timwilky

It might be tosh, but my evidence is that I failed a roadside breath test after less than a pint of shandy. The breath test was not an accurate reflection of my blood alcohol level.

In all fairness, just got this from wiki.

Originally Posted by wiki

One study found that the BAC readings of subjects decreased 11–14% after running up one flight of stairs and 22–25% after doing so twice. Another study found a 15% decrease in BAC readings after vigorous exercise or hyperventilation. Hyperventilation for 20 seconds has been shown to lower the reading by approximately 32%. On the other hand, holding one's breath for 30 seconds can increase the breath test result by about 28%.

We should just do what the aussies do in my opinion

Originally Posted by wiki

Research indicates that breath tests can vary at least 15% from actual blood alcohol concentration. An estimated 23% of individuals tested will have a BAC reading higher than their true BAC.

Didn't realise the readings were that variable til I read this stuff. I suppose when money falls from trees and new more accurate portable breathalysers can be developed, looks like the current system might be the best way, even though some people do end up getting away with it.

No biggy if it comes back as above the level and you know you're not. You'll be inconvenienced perhaps, but what can ya do if the breathlyser can be that far off the true readings?

Originally Posted by timwilky

It might be tosh, but my evidence is that I failed a roadside breath test after less than a pint of shandy. The breath test was not an accurate reflection of my blood alcohol level.

How long ago was that? That sounds like a faulty machine to me.

[punyXpress]

Originally Posted by thulfi

No biggy if it comes back as above the level and you know you're not. You'll be inconvenienced perhaps, but what can ya do if the breathlyser can be that far off the true readings?

I dunno . .
" My blood alcohol was below that... and no further action would be taken. No apology for wasting my time, for locking me in a cell overnight, for putting me through 5 months of torment would I have a job etc. "
. . i reckon THAT would be a ' biggy ' to most of us!
Also Seriously wonder about the validity of Wacky-Paedo reports.

Originally Posted by punyXpress

I dunno . .
" My blood alcohol was below that... and no further action would be taken. No apology for wasting my time, for locking me in a cell overnight, for putting me through 5 months of torment would I have a job etc. "
. . i reckon THAT would be a ' biggy ' to most of us!

If a copper stopped someone in that situation and they blew over the limit, even though they protested about how little they had drank what would you want them to do?

What can you even have them do? The breathalyser makes errors. Til money falls from trees and they have super reliable equipment on the roadside, stuff like this is gonna happen. Nothing came of it, except wasted time for timwilky. And why worry about your job if you know that the breathalyser must have made an error and the blood would clear you?

Can't comment on the lack of apology for time wasting.

oh come on now, when you've been locked in a cell overnight for nothing and been through it then you comment, else don't say things like "why worry", cos you probably don't have a job to lose yet, a family to look after yet and enough fluff on your chin to know what it's all about yet.

that aside good thread. i think the the d&d standards have to stay i don't see any other option. i think the balance is right.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by thulfi

And why worry about your job if you know that the breathalyser must have made an error and the blood would clear you?

Ever had a few hours looking at a cell wall with thoughts like that running round your head?

I don't understand. If you know you're under, what are you gonna be afraid of? The blood test coming back with excess alcohol levels? That's not gonna happen.

Unless you think you might be under, but not sure, that is a different matter. Timwilky said he knew he was under. And I'm sure sitting in a cell is not a pleasant experience, but would you be thinking scary thoughts about losing jobs etc unless you might be guilty? How he could know he was under is a different matter. I'd only be pretty sure if I had literally drank next to nothing.

Originally Posted by The Idle Biker

cos you probably don't have a job to lose yet,

Actually I do, I work for the NHS, and have invested a lot of time in uni. We have a lot to lose with things like this.

Regardless, what are people having a go at. The fact the breathalyser isn't so accurate?! Yet to here what you guys would do if you were the officer on the other side doing his job. Miraculously sense when the breathalyser isn't working correctly?

[Biker Biggles]

Ah.The old if you got nothing to hide you got nothing to fear illusion
Ever read up on why people who have been locked up in a police cell for a few hours end up admitting to all sorts they never did or accepting cautions even though they were not guilty?Its a well documented thing which is quite unintelligable to those of you who have never experienced it.Why on earth would anyone start to believe or accept they are guilty when they are not?
But theyb do.

[Bri w]

Tim, did you get the phone number of your cell buddy maybe it was the soap on the rope that frightened you.

I waited about a year for my DWDC court date, only then to be found not guilty, which of course I always knew was the case. Thulfi - sorry mate, your talking balls on that one. Tim's not a doctor, he doesn't know what else could be causing the breathalyser test fail or what his blood is going to show and why. It's stressful as hell to be accused of something you haven't done, then face the prospect of being prosecuted for it because some volunteer magistrate in a courtroom happens not to believe your story, a 'witness' tells a pack of lies, or a blood test might show something which you don't understand. Never had a patient look at you in fear because you diagnosed something he didn't understand and his perception was it was serious?