For a beer drinker the word “light” usually refers to a type of beer. Unfortunately, too few beer drinkers realize that the operator of a digital alcohol detector can provide two further definitions for the word “light.” Those definitions relate to the reading on the detector. The digital alcohol detector normally provides its reading by producing a particular sound and light combination. That combination would indicate that the subject had a light, i.e. a low, level of alcohol in his or her blood. The resulting green light on the detector would give a green light to the person who wanted to get behind the wheel.
For the person who owns and operates a digital alcohol tester, the word “light” has at least two meanings of significance. The operation of a digital alcohol detector can not commence until the start-up process has stabilized the detector’s sensor. That start-up process entails completion of both the purge cycles and the circuit tests. During that process a group of yellow lights spell out the word “WAIT.”
At the completion of the start-up process, the digital alcohol detector will let-off two beeps. As those two beeps sound, a green light shines on the detector, and the signal that had said “WAIT” changes to one that says “READY.” That series of events, a series that can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, demonstrates clearly one way in which the owner/operator of a digital alcohol detector interprets the word “light.”
Yet the completion of the start-up process does not signal an end to use of the lights on the detector. Both light and sound play a role in providing the user of the digital alcohol detector with a meaningful reading. Both light and sound allow the detector to disclose information on the blood alcohol content (BAC) of a test subject.
By the same token, an understanding of the information on the detector’s screen requires an alternate interpretation for the word “light.” Once a test subject has exposed the detector to some exhaled air, the screen might allow a single beep to sound, while a green light comes on. A green light signals a low (or light) BAC. A green light indicates that the subject has a BAC of less than 0.02%. Such a subject could not get in trouble with the law for driving a motor vehicle.
A subject who has had a moderate amount of liquor prior to breathing on the digital alcohol tester will cause the appearance of a yellow light and the issuance of two beeps. That sound and light combination indicates that the subject has a BAC between 0.02% and 0.05%. Such a reading should give a drinker reason to pause before sitting at the wheel and driving away from a bar or party. A tested drinker who caused the detector to beep non-stop for 5 seconds, and to flash on the red light would know that his or her BAC had risen above 0.05%. Such a drinker would be breaking the law by driving a motor vehicle while having that BAC.
Beer drinkers should note that the digital alcohol detector does not distinguish between regular and “light” beers. The detector only serves to provide law enforcement officials with proof that a driver has more than a light level of alcohol in his or her blood. A level above 0.05% will generally cause the tested individual to be labeled DUI. Such a label is bad news for any heavy drinker.
For the person who owns and operates a digital alcohol tester, the word “light” has at least two meanings of significance. The operation of a digital alcohol detector can not commence until the start-up process has stabilized the detector’s sensor. That start-up process entails completion of both the purge cycles and the circuit tests. During that process a group of yellow lights spell out the word “WAIT.”
At the completion of the start-up process, the digital alcohol detector will let-off two beeps. As those two beeps sound, a green light shines on the detector, and the signal that had said “WAIT” changes to one that says “READY.” That series of events, a series that can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, demonstrates clearly one way in which the owner/operator of a digital alcohol detector interprets the word “light.”
Yet the completion of the start-up process does not signal an end to use of the lights on the detector. Both light and sound play a role in providing the user of the digital alcohol detector with a meaningful reading. Both light and sound allow the detector to disclose information on the blood alcohol content (BAC) of a test subject.
By the same token, an understanding of the information on the detector’s screen requires an alternate interpretation for the word “light.” Once a test subject has exposed the detector to some exhaled air, the screen might allow a single beep to sound, while a green light comes on. A green light signals a low (or light) BAC. A green light indicates that the subject has a BAC of less than 0.02%. Such a subject could not get in trouble with the law for driving a motor vehicle.
A subject who has had a moderate amount of liquor prior to breathing on the digital alcohol tester will cause the appearance of a yellow light and the issuance of two beeps. That sound and light combination indicates that the subject has a BAC between 0.02% and 0.05%. Such a reading should give a drinker reason to pause before sitting at the wheel and driving away from a bar or party. A tested drinker who caused the detector to beep non-stop for 5 seconds, and to flash on the red light would know that his or her BAC had risen above 0.05%. Such a drinker would be breaking the law by driving a motor vehicle while having that BAC.
Beer drinkers should note that the digital alcohol detector does not distinguish between regular and “light” beers. The detector only serves to provide law enforcement officials with proof that a driver has more than a light level of alcohol in his or her blood. A level above 0.05% will generally cause the tested individual to be labeled DUI. Such a label is bad news for any heavy drinker.
