Drunk Driving iPhone App – Does It Help or Hurt?

January 2010

A new drunk driving debate is brewing, and this one has an unexpected topic. Some say that a new cell phone app that claims to measure blood alcohol level can work to prevent drunk driving, while others say it can actually encourage dangerous behavior.

The new app, called R-U-Buzzed, was made available for iPhones in December, and has been downloaded more than 40,000 times since its debut. To calculate blood alcohol content, users enter their weight, gender, hours drinking, and the amount of beer, wine and liquor consumed. The app then estimates your alcohol content and produces a message such as, "You could be arrested for impaired driving. Designate a sober driver." The app also includes a disclaimer that the estimates aren't accurate enough to be considered legal evidence.

Statistics show that 65 percent of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 were 21 to 34 years old and 17 percent were underage drinkers. Supporters of the app say that it appeals to this demographic in a way that traditional methods – like television commercials – don't. They say it allows young people to address the dangers of drinking and driving in a socially acceptable manner.

Safe driving advocates, however, say they worry the app could be used to "prove" that someone is able to drive even when they're not. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is concerned that the app could undermine their message to never drive after drinking. Furthermore, some argue, it's questionable whether or not someone who is extremely intoxicated will even remember to use the app, let alone be able to accurately enter the number of drinks they've had.