In Florida and in Minnesota, some DUI suspects are challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer. Dale Lee Underdahl of Minnesota, like his predecessor in Florida, has won a petition to get the breathalizer source code. (Breathalyzers are computers with blow holes. The source code runs the computer.) As Underdahl's lawyer argued, "for all we know, it's a random number generator." Underdahl's obtained the source code for Intoxilyzer 5000EN, built by CMI. This breathalyzer is used in more than 20 states. Allegedly, the 5000EN is based on the ancient Z-80 processor, used by the Radio Shack TRS-80 which was first sold in 1977. (We all know how great computers were in 1977. )
Will this save the Lindsay Lohans of the world? Not likely. Should Breathalyzers be updated and continuously certified? Yes. The difference between .08 and .07 is 90 days without a license and $1,000 in most states! In the mean time, Piss Screen (http://www.piss-screen.de/) is a German company that makes a video game that may discourage drunks from getting behind the wheel. You test your ability to safely operate a video game car by aiming your urine in diffent spots in the urinal. (Unfortunately it would not work for Lindsay Lohan unless there is something that the tabloids don't know yet...)
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15 comments:
If it is old technology, it may be flawed. At least worth looking into!
Random number generator, that seems a bit of a stretch. O.K. L.S. we should be on the same side on this issue. I will defer to your anticipated post.
(See, no post with a reference to any animal.)
Shell
What an ingenious use of the time one has when pissing. I presume the screens are hung eye level. May cause some folks to take their eye off the business in hand.
Frank
I speculate that Piss Screen manufacturers own interst in the shoe business. Because I would bet a lot of people testing their sobriety at the urinal are messing up their shoes something fierce.
Bob
Help!
I've had some remodeling work done at home lately and the construction workers using my bathroom need the piss-screen. Until I can order this magnificent piece of German ingenuity, what can I do to help these guys get it straight . . . sometimes, I think these guys are (I've gotta say it Shell)- PIGS!
Ms. C.
Ok then, Ms. Calabaza. I did not want to say it, but it is so true. I went into the Unisex bathroom at work for 5 years. One day they stripped the floor down and I discovered for the first time that the natural color of the floor was not yellow!
Sober men are bad enough aims, can you imagine how bad they are when they have had one too many?
Shell
Man, and I thought gals only complaint was that we forget to put the lid down...
Joe
Well, if you don't put the "lid" down, you will never become a good student or a productive member of society. Remember, smoking lids may be hazardous to your heath.
Surfer Dude
Peeing on the floor or soiling the lid in MY bathroom would be hazardous to any man's health, Surfer Dude
Shell
So maybe there is a defense to DUI?
Definitely a defense. THis crap is crap. They have no assurance that the breathalizers all measure correctly once they leave the certification place.
The certification process is flawed! Unless the machine is re certified before each test, it is junk science.
Former Drinker Now Advocate
Junk science is right
Source Code: thats what its all about!
Dale is the bomb!
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