Many years ago, I asked a state patrol officers why they didn't offer breathalyzer tests free at public outreach sessions, maybe at bars, etc. I don't think most people even know what .08 or .1 blood alcohol content "feels" like to them, so they have no idea when they are legally impaired.
The trooper said that they didn't want people to know how much they could have and still be legal, so they would (theoretically) be more cautious in their alcohol consumption. I thought that was sort of a silly answer, but I've thought about it quite a bit since then. I still think that police should offer the opportunity to get tested in controlled circumstances - such as an event where everyone is being transported by bus, or a hotel where they just need to go upstairs. However, here are some arguements against widespread access to breathalazers: 1. In Wisconsin, and virtually everywhere else in the US, you are presumed to be legally impaired with a BAC of .08, but you can be arrested for OWI with a lower OWI if the police observe you driving impaired. ILikewise, BAC does not measure the level of intoxication, as that varies from person to person, even with the same level of BAC. Havening a set BAC as "legally impaired" just easier to make the ticket stick at .08. If people had access to breathalazers, they could argue, "I know I'm under the limit!" 2. My guess is that most inexpensive breathalazers are not very accurate, so access to them, or widespread use in bars would give people a false sense that they are OK to drive, and more arguements such as the one above. Maybe even lawsuits. Breathalazers need to be caliberated frequently and used under controlled circumstances. 3. Bars may feel that they would be more vulnerable to being sued for overserving, or letting someone drive impaired if they offered this service to customers. If it was found that someone had just left a bar that had a sign saying "test your BAC before you drive!" and their BAC was 1.6 (twice the legal limit), it could be argued that the bartender should have known the person was drunk, or should have offered to test him before serving. 4. Breathalazers - decent ones - are not really that cheap. Wikipedia on breathalazers - including some disputed info. It talks about how they work and drawbacks to incorrect use: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breathalyzer A page for "personal breath testers." Cheapest one is $15, and I'm willing to bet isn't very accurate: http://www.breath-tester.com/
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