What is the instrument used by traffic police to test for drunk driving called?
4 Answers
The instrument used by traffic police to test for drunk driving is called a breathalyzer. A breathalyzer is a device used to detect whether a person has consumed alcohol and to measure the level of alcohol intake. It serves as a tool for traffic police to determine the extent of alcohol consumption by drivers during law enforcement, effectively helping to reduce the occurrence of major traffic accidents. The detection principle of a breathalyzer: When an oxide with N-type conductivity is exposed to the atmosphere, the number of internal electrons decreases due to oxygen adsorption, increasing its resistance. Subsequently, if a specific reducing gas is present in the atmosphere, it will react with the adsorbed oxygen, increasing the number of electrons in the oxide and thereby reducing its resistance.
As a driver who frequently gets behind the wheel, I remember that device used by traffic police to check for drunk driving is commonly called an alcohol breathalyzer, and some people colloquially refer to it as a "breath stick." The working principle is quite simple—you blow into it, and the sensor inside detects the alcohol content, immediately displaying a numerical reading to determine if you're driving under the influence. I've personally experienced it during several nighttime checks—it's quick and reliable. But let me remind everyone: don’t try your luck with drinking and driving. Drunk driving is highly prone to causing accidents and can lead to fines, point deductions, or even license suspension. Safe driving is a matter of life and death—don’t risk it for momentary pleasure. If you’ve been drinking, I recommend hiring a designated driver or taking a taxi home—it’s hassle-free and ensures peace of mind. Following the rules during daily commutes is a responsible choice for both yourself and others.
As a car enthusiast, I'm quite interested in the drunk driving testing equipment used by traffic police. The official name of that device is a breath alcohol analyzer, which internally uses fuel cell or semiconductor sensors to derive accurate results by analyzing ethanol concentration in exhaled breath. Many new models now support digital displays and can even connect to backend systems to save records. Drunk driving is severely punished in traffic regulations, and these devices offer high detection accuracy to quickly identify risks, but they are merely auxiliary tools—the key lies in personal discipline. Avoiding drunk driving not only prevents accidents but also reduces legal troubles. Remember, respecting the rules is the only way to truly enjoy the freedom of driving.
As an ordinary person who has seen traffic police checking for drunk driving on the street, that small device is commonly referred to as a breathalyzer. It's very intuitive to operate—just have the driver blow into it to measure alcohol levels, with fast results and high accuracy. Drunk driving is extremely dangerous, and if you're found over the limit, you could face fines or even jail time. It's best not to touch the wheel after drinking—taking a taxi or asking a friend for a ride is much wiser. Safety first—don't make trouble for yourself.
