Had a few? Uber partners with breathalyser app to prevent drunk driving

19 February 2015 - 14:39 By TimesLIVE
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Police and sports car next to alcoholic drink with key
Police and sports car next to alcoholic drink with key
Image: Andy Dean

Uber has partnered with wearable tech firm Breathometer to release an app to prevent drunk driving.

The Breathometer app for iOS and Android now allows users to order an Uber directly from the app, if you are potentially drunk, or feel you are over the legal limit.

The free-to-download app works with a $100 (R1160) bluetooth breathalyser or the original $50 (R580) version which plugs into the headphone jack.

According to trusted reviews, the small device enables users to measure their blood alcohol content by blowing into the breathometer and it reports the findings back to the phone in a matter of seconds.

If people are over the limit it offers an estimated time when blood alchohol level will return to a level safe enough to drive.

The partnership between the two means users won’t need to leave the app in order to order a ride.

Charles Michael Yim, CEO of Breathometer said in a press release: "Having to call a friend or schedule a cab isn't always an easy choice. Access to a dependable and on-demand ride solution directly from our app for anyone that has been consuming alcohol is critical.”

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