Responsibility.org Offering Free Breathalyzers to 200 Coloradans

STATEWIDE—Many Coloradans think it's safe to drive after a few alcoholic drinks, but drivers can reach the limits of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) of 0.05 percent or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of 0.08 percent after only one or two drinks. As part of its summer campaign to prevent DUI, CDOT has partnered with the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility to offer 200 BACtrack mobile breathalyzers to young adults in Colorado, free of charge. The free breathalyzers are funded by Responsibility.org.

CDOT and Responsibility.org are seeking young adults, ages 21 to 34 years old, to receive the limited supply of free breathalyzers. Those interested can apply at breathalyzer.codot.gov.

"We're doing everything in our power to make personal breathalyzers accessible to Coloradans," said CDOT Communications Manager Sam Cole. "We're grateful for the contribution by Responsibility.org to get even more of these devices into the hands of young adults. Breathalyzers help eliminate the guesswork and clearly inform people how long they need to wait until they are back to zero."

Responsibility.org brings more than 25 years of leadership in the fight against drunken driving and underage drinking.

"We believe conversations about alcohol responsibility should begin early and last a lifetime. Reaching young adults will help them build a foundation to make responsible decisions when drinking," said Responsibility.org President and CEO Ralph Blackman. "Breathalyzers are an innovative approach to responsible consumption and education. Impaired driving is preventable and breathalyzers are another resource in the fight to eliminate this dangerous practice."

CDOT, Responsibility.org and BACtrack aim to increase awareness that breathalyzers should be used in any drinking setting. The goal is to normalize the act of checking your blood alcohol content (BAC) before deciding to drive.

Each year in Colorado, more than 20,000 people are arrested for DUI. Smartphone breathalyzers are a tool to help drinkers make better decisions, but CDOT and Responsibility.org recommends always having a safe ride planned before you start drinking. To learn more, visit HeatIsOnColorado.com.