NEW YORK, Sept 23 — Drivers can now test their blood alcohol levels with new smartphone apps that give accurate readings and can also call a taxi. A blood alcohol level above 0.08 per cent is considered drunk driving in all 50 US states.

BACtrack for iPhones and Breathometer for iPhones and Android are two examples of these types of apps.

Breathometer connects via the mobile phone’s headphone jack, while BACtrack connects to the iPhone via Bluetooth. Both devices work by having the user blow into it.

An ethanol sensor embedded in the device detects alcohol on the user’s breath and converts this into a signal that the app processes.

Both apps not only display alcohol readings, but can also detect a user’s GPS location and call a friend, family member or taxi should they be found to be over the limit.

The apps also estimate how long it will take for users to sober up and provides a drinking habit graph. — Reuters