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In Australia, having a drink in your local pub is a pastime that many like to enjoy. Although the government makes it clear that drivers should not consume more than 0.05 BAC, it is difficult for drivers to judge just how much they have consumed while in a pub. In addition to this, many factors will influence how much a person can consume before hitting the drink driving limit. These factors include weight, gender, and how much food has been eaten -- as food consumption affects the speed at which alcohol enters into the blood stream.

In lieu of how hard it is to safely determine how many units of alcohol can be consumed before driving, there is a strong case for having wall mounted breathalysers in each pub. Breathalysers measure how many micrograms of alcohol there are per millilitre of breath and then warn users if they have gone above the legal BAC limit in Australia. When a drinker blows into a wall mounted breathalyser, the ethanol present in their breath moves through several chemical stages before being measured by a microprocessor that gives an indication of blood alcohol level (BAC).

After giving an indication of a person's BAC and whether it is too high for them to drive safely, that individual will be less likely to drive. As it is difficult to judge how much alcohol will affect each drinker based on their individual physical factors, a wall mounted breathalyser in the pub will allow them to make an informed decision when it comes to getting home. Over all, 30 percent of fatal crashes in Australia occur as a result of drink driving, and each year over 19,000 people are charged with a drink driving offence. Alcohol can reduce coordination, slow reactions, and induce a poor perception of speed and distance. Although many people may feel as though they have not consumed enough to become a dangerous driver, it is too often the case that they are just above the legal limit. Being caught driving while above the legal limit has serious repercussions. Penalties include: fines of up to $5000, jail sentences, and demerit points as high as 5, or a driving license disqualification.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Traffic/Drinkdriving/Penalties/tabid/989/Default.aspx
http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/Demographic-Pages/I-am-Working-in-Road-Safety/Drink-Driving.aspx

By Laura M.

Victoria-based Andatech Corporation Pty. Ltd. announces that it has been appointed by Inventist, Inc. to distribute Solowheel in Australia.

The Solowheel is a stand-up, electric-powered and self-balancing unicycle. It is a lightweight and portable transportation solution that is environmentally friendly.

Consumers who prefer to keep a minimal carbon footprint will be pleased to know the Solowheel is a perfect fit for a green lifestyle. It does not burn fossil fuels, and therefore is a zero CO² emission personal transportation system which can take you 24—32 km on a full charge.

The Solowheel operates on a 1000 watt motor powered by a lithium-ion battery which recaptures energy when going downhill or slowing down, just like a hybrid car.

"As a distributor for health and safety products in Australia, Andatech takes pride in promoting wellness and innovation. An innovative green lifestyle product like Solowheel perfectly combines both these elements and will fit right into our stable of products," said Irwandy Tan, owner of Andatech Corporation Pty. Ltd. "Andatech has an ISO9001 certification for our sales, distribution and service of Breathalysers in Australia, and we look forward to providing the same quality and service for Solowheel."

The Solowheel assembly, including the gyro sensors, 1000 watt motor and battery, is nicely tucked into an easy-to-carry case with a handle. The lightweight and compact case can easily be carried and taken anywhere – in a bus, train, elevator or classrooms.

Commuters need not walk long distances anymore to find public transport, or take cars and face traffic or difficulty in finding parking spaces. The Solowheel even eliminates the need to chain bicycles to bike racks and then have to come back to get the bike from the exact same spot.

Find out more about the Solowheel at Solowheel.com.au.

About Andatech: Andatech Corporation Pty. Ltd. is an Australian company based in Blackburn, Victoria and is the industry leader in wholesale and retail distribution of breathlysers. Andatech was the first Australian company to be awarded the Australian Standard AS3547 for a personal hand-held breathalyser. Andatech has since expanded into distribution of other products with a proven track record of improving human health, including Ozinnovations, IWell, Gadgetco, Ionmax, Juicebuddy and AlcoSense, among others.

About Inventist: Inventist, Inc. is a Camas, Washington-based company with a portfolio of distinct products created by inventor entrepreneur Mr. Shane Chen.

In-Car Alcohol Testers are a New Requirement for All Drivers in France - Do others need to test?
France is serious about decreasing the amount of alcohol-related deaths on its roads. In an effort to "sober up" the country and to save lives, the French Government has taken a stand against drinking and driving, enacting a new law requirement for its drivers. As a result, beginning July 1, 2012, French law requires that all drivers in France carry compliant alcohol testers.

Will the new law only apply to those who live in France?
No, the French law affects anyone who drives in France, no matter whether they live there or not.

Could the law be a game changer for other countries?
Yes, although this new law is a mandatory French regulation, the world is sure to be watching the effects on the death toll in France. With over 1.3 million worldwide alcohol-related, road fatalities each year, the global tolerance to the massive loss of lives from this drug is running out. If this law is successful in France, the idea may catch on globally.

What are the expectations for the new law?
The French Government expects the law to bring about a change of lifestyle for those who drink alcohol and then drive. During the law's introductory phase, (from July 1 through Oct 31) the government's initial role will be to encourage people to self-test and monitor their own risk taking. In doing so, the government's goal is for them to recognize the benefits of self-monitoring.
Self-monitoring:
* Can provide safety for the individual, as well as others
* Can eliminate the risk of embarrassment, arrest and jail time
* Can save money by avoiding costly fines

What gives the French government the idea that the law can work?

The government's idea is to have a tester available in the vehicle before a person decides to drive after drinking, allowing them to check their own blood alcohol content. Since penalties for drinking and driving are more expensive than a "no breathalyzer" fine, (EUR-$11 or AUD $16) they believe it will gradually become more appealing for drivers to self-test before driving rather than taking the risk of being over the limit.

Is there a need for people to self-test in other countries?
Yes, definitely, with alcohol-related deaths now happening, somewhere in the world, at least every 45 minutes, the need to self-test is evident in every country. Knowing that it takes only one careless act to cause permanent injury to or to kill another person, it's easy to see that the benefits of self-testing can be a lifesaving action.
Even though France will be the first country to implement this type of law, anyone in any country who decides to self-test can have assurance that their responsible action today may mean that they and others are around to celebrate life tomorrow.

References:
http://www.gizmag.com/france-breathalyzer-legislation/21541/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caren-osten-gerszberg/drinking-and-driving_b_1322482.html

Written by Deborah R.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andatech
Factory 7/2-4 Apollo Court
Blackburn Victoria 3130
Australia
+61 3 8877 0700
www.andatech.com.au

VICTORIA, Au - March 22, 2012 -

If you've ever tried to imagine the Lord of the Rings, Dark Lord Sauron when he represented himself in the Second Age, as the All-seeing Eye, peering into the dark, you might just be ready for the Mobileye.
Mobileye, the World's First Driver Assistance Collison Prevention System, with its innovative technology, "smart camera third eye" attached to the front windshield, operates day and night.

Mobileye C2-270

• Calculates time to collison based on distance and relative speed
• Detects lane deviation
• Monitors headway
• Produces color coded alerts, audible sounds and when necessary, high-pitched beeps to draw attention to imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian
• Fits all types of cars, trucks, buses, RVs and fleet vehicles
• Monitors fuel consumption
• Improves driving habits.

Andatech Corporation Pty Ltd, a leader in quality lifestyle innovation, workplace safety and natural health and wellness products, based in Melbourne, Australia, launched the Mobileye Driver Assistance System to function effectively in detecting imminent collision reliably and warning the driver when necessary. Andatech is the appointed Mobileye Distributor for Australia's Personal Safety Market in Australia

Media contact:
Andatech, +61 3 8877 0700

 By Deborah R.

Melbourne, Australia – November 24th, 2011

Andatech features on Channel 7 news segment discussing the myths and dangers of drink driving. The segment was aired on the 22nd of November exploring the many myths when it comes to drinking alcohol and then being safe enough to drive.

Nick Mccallum, a Channel 7 News reporter explained “Last weekend police caught 280 drinking drivers, as the party starts they bust the urban myths. Coffee, cold showers, Kool Mints will not reduce blood alcohol levels.”

Andatech features in the Channel 7 news segment to help explain the importance of using a breathalyser before you drive and more importantly using an Australian Standard breathalyser to ensure its accuracy. Andatech's breathalyser division manager, Andrew Smith was interviewed and said “According to the Australian Standard they have to be within 10% of your breath alcohol concentration.”
Geoff Munro from the Australian Drug Foundation said in the news piece “There is nothing apart from time that allows the body to eliminate alcohol.” This further supported the main message that it is important it is to make sure no risk is involved when getting behind the wheel after you have been drinking.

The news segment also includes a story of a young man named Daniel who got behind the wheel in 2003 whilst drunk. Daniel crashed the car, killing his friend. He spent 4 years in jail as a punishment but said “living with what i've done is by far the hardest thing”.
Andrew Smith explained that Andatech wants to be there to help Australians arrive home safe “Andatech continues to strive to keep Australians safe and healthy. As the Christmas period is upon us, the message of “Don't risk it” with the help of Channel 7 News has been made more clear.

A breathalyser is a tool to assist in making an informed decision after consuming alcohol.

Where there is ever any doubt in your ability to drive safely due to alcohol consumption you should always; arrange a designated driver, call a cab, take public transport or stay the night. The number one way to prevent drink driving, and all consequences associated, is if you do drink, do not drive. “Home tomorrow morning is better than not home at all...”

There are over a dozen factors to take in to account when trying to calculate your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration). Some are as straight forward as how many standard drinks you’ve had or how quickly you consumed them. Others are slightly more difficult to calculate, such as your metabolic rate and fat/muscle content.

The fact is you can take all these things in to account while you’re out and still get it wrong. Without reliable information and the opportunity to make an informed decision, you’re left to try and guess whether you might be ok. Your licence, career, car and more importantly yours or someone else’s life is never something that should be left to a guess. Use a calibrated, Australian Standards approved breathalyser, know your limit and keep your options open.

AlcoSense ... Giving you options

Breathalyser put to test by Drive.com.au 19/12/09

A regularly-raised question is whether breath testers are accurate enough to be reliable. There are really two underlying questions to this debate—in what ways are breath testers reliable, and what could be relied upon in their stead?
The law already understands the limitation of the breath tester: it is, after all, not measuring actual blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the bloodstream but rather, the implied BAC through the medium of air passing through lungs (see Mclachlan v Mackey, 1994). If something interferes with that reading, then that particular result becomes questionable. Such interference has been found to be creatable by for example; certain types of breads, vigorous exercise and even higher acetone levels in some people who suffer from diabetes (see “Breath Analyzer Accuracy” by David J Hanson, PhD). We need to remember that the breath tester is actually measuring levels of chemicals in the breath, and using that to give a reading of the levels of alcohol in the bloodstream. The devices use the breath to indicate what’s happening in the blood—they do not directly take or measure blood samples and therefore the current technology can only ever be claimed to be “indicative.”
Naturally, the higher the quality of the device that is used, the more likely it is to be able to take potential interference into account and thus provide a more accurate result. One of the very best machines on the market, and one designed for law enforcement use such as the Dräger Alcotest 7110 uses two different sensors to derive its readings from, and is the size of a small suitcase. However, it also costs over $10,000—hardly a reasonable purchase for the average family! Even these machines provide only indicators of intoxication, and so when people are stopped for suspected drunk driving, they will often be required to undertake at least one field breath test, plus another breath test in a booze bus, a blood test or both. Next time there’s a drunk driving ad on TV, pay attention to the words as the person blows over .05 and you’ll hear the police officer say “I suspect that you are above .05”—it’s for this very reason. Even the police can’t claim that a single breath test is accurate. And it doesn’t matter what type of test you are required to take, a failure to follow operating procedures can be problematic—even blood tests can be tainted from failure to follow correct procedures (see for example “40 ways to beat a DUI”).
As you can see, a single breath test shouldn’t be relied upon as conclusive as to whether you are safe to drive or not. Indeed, knowing your own physiology is important to understand what may be affecting your breath test readings at any one time. However, what could be relied upon if you do not use a breath tester? There are three possible choices: guesswork, calculation or waiting to be stopped by the police. Guesswork is the method of choice for many people, who use the rather ethereal answer to the question “How drunk do I feel?” as a way of deciding whether they are fit to drive home after a night at the local pub. A less subjective (yet no less problematic) method is the calculation method, where the person tries to consider the factors that would impact their sobriety to arrive at a decision about their possible intoxication. Some people drive home knowing they might be drunk, hoping they won’t get pulled over for a police test even though this would be their only means of knowing if they’re too drunk to drive or not.
How can most people have any indication of their level of intoxication? The assumption that people “can tell” is challenged every single day as hundreds of news reports from across the globe attest. One of the more interesting ones was from the “Ely Standard”, a UK newspaper that reported how someone assumed they were okay, but they weren’t. Why? Because they had a home remedy for a sore throat, and that remedy was shots of spirit. You can’t just assume people “know” how drunk they are without any way of testing it. Naturally, in an ideal world, people would not drink and drive at all. But people do have a drink and then drive, and relying on guesswork or attempts at calculation will not provide a reliable way of knowing if you really are going to be safe. You are better off having an independent assessment rather than a subjective (dare we say “Beer Goggled”) opinion of your level of intoxication.
So when you consider whether or not to purchase a breath tester for a new driver in the family, a loved one or yourself, remember that they’re a great way to help you determine whether you’re safe to drive or not, but they are only able to indicate your BAC and always err on the side of caution. If the breath tester indicates you’re okay but you’re not sure, trust yourself. If you think you’re okay but the breath tester says otherwise, trust your tester!

References
Ely Standard Newspaper, “Drunk driver had been using strong alcohol as an anaesthetic for mouth pain”, 3rd August 2009
Hanson, D. (2007), “Breath Analyzer Accuracy”, http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/DrivingIssues/1055505643.html downloaded 9th September 2009.
Peek, D. (1998), “Intoxication and the Criminal Lawyer” in The Law Society of South Australia Bulletin, April 1998.
Ramsell, D.J. (2009) “40 Ways to Beat a DUI” on Findlaw, http://dui.findlaw.com/articles/7510.html downloaded 9th September 2009.