IMMEDIATE RELEASEPortable Breath Test Machines Unreliable and Inappropriate for use of High School Prom Events, says Massachusetts Drunk Driving LawyerBraintree, MA - April, 2006 It's prom season again, which usually brings with it more well meaning, but ill-considered attempts to stop prom attendees from drinking. It's been reported that the high school in Taunton, MA is considering a breath test device requirement to get into the prom this year. But according to prominent Massachusetts Attorney Russell Matson, who concentrates his practice in drunk driving defense, this is an inappropriate use of these devices. "These portable breath test devices that can be purchased on the internet for $100 are so notoriously inaccurate that they are inadmissible as evidence in Massachusetts courts", Matson said. These machines aren't calibrated or certified in any way, and there is simply no evidence that they are at all helpful in determining if someone has consumed alcohol. He added, "In my drunk driving defense practice, I've come across many different ways to induce a false positive response from these devices, including using mouthwash, eating mints like Certs or Altoids, and even eating certain breads. There are also a number of medical & stomach conditions that can also trigger a response. There have also been cases where breath test machines can mistakenly indicate alcohol consumption in someone who is on a high protein diet." Attorney Matson went on to say "It would be absolutely unfair and wrong for any student to be subjected to any disciplinary action from the school based on evidence from a device with no scientific accuracy or legal legitimacy". For more information about issues with breath alcohol tests, or other DWI / OUI legal issues, contact MA DUI Lawyer Russell Matson at (781)380-7730, or refer to his web site, www.madrunkdrivingdefense.com --- |