New device brought to combat drink driving
To boost capability to combat drink driving, Traffic Branch Headquarters continue to look for new technology in the international market and has successfully brought the Alcotest 6810 from Germany.
"Alcotest 6810 is capable of performing both the pre-screening breath test and screening breath test functions by simply switching the mode of operation. Therefore, it is commonly known as the 'Dual Mode'. It has been verified by an independent expert. Gazetted on May 18, it will be used by traffic officers, beginning on July 22," said Chief Superintendent Steve Verralls of Traffic Branch Headquarters.
Since enactment of drink driving legislation in 1995, the Alcotest 7410 has been used for Screening Breath Test and the Alcotest 7110, installed in police premises, for Evidential Breath Test. To further combat drink driving, the Road Traffic (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 was enacted on July 4, 2008, thereby authorising police officers to conduct Random Breath Test.
With a view to shortening the time needed to conduct the Random Breath Test on motorists, the Lion Alcolmeter 500, a pre-screening breath testing device, has been used to conduct Random Breath Test, beginning on February 9, 2009.
To meet operational needs, frontline traffic officers usually carry both devices whilst on duty. Alcotest 6810 therefore will provide officers with better flexibility and improve their efficiency in enforcing the law against drink driving.
By June 30, 2012, a total of 339 376 drivers had undergone Random Breath Test and the number of traffic accidents involving drink driving had dropped significantly by about 70 per cent. Obviously, Random Breath Test has been highly effective in deterring drink driving.
Traffic Branch is committed to continuing to identify new technology to enhance officers' capability to ensure public safety.
Alcotest
6810 provides officers with better flexibility