Alcohoot Successfully Demonstrates Power of Innovation by State Governments to Combat Drunk Driving
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcohoot, the most technologically advanced alcohol activity tracker, is revolutionizing the way technology can be used to influence people across the country to be smarter about drinking and driving.
Alcohoot connects with a smartphone to allow users to monitor and track their personal blood-alcohol level, and is the latest development in activity tracker technology that can be used to promote health and wellness. To encourage people to use this technology, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) hosted a number of events during the Labor Day weekend in downtown Denver. CDOT partnered with Alcohoot and Uber, the largest ride-hailing service in North America, to host the events as a way to demonstrate how technology is helping people make safe and responsible decisions when they drink.
"We're extremely excited to be partnering with two industry leaders that help people stay safe while drinking," saidSam Cole, Safety Communications Manager at CDOT. "Both partners fit perfectly with our current campaign, 'A Few Can Still Be Dangerous.' Alcohoot's smartphone breathalyzer helps you know if you've had too much, and Uber gets you home safely and helps avoid the risk of a DUI."
Over three days, representatives from Alcohoot let nearly 800 people sample the device in LoDo district of downtown Denver and at Coors Field during the Rockies game. CDOT also gave away nearly 140 Alcohoots to LoDo patrons and Rockies attendees as a part of a contest which also included the chance to win a discounted or free Uber ride home. The events attracted nearly 3,500 participants, catching the attention of Rockies fans leaving the game and revelers drinking in the LoDo bar district.
The public response was overwhelmingly positive. Stories were shared by participants at the events about how drinking and driving had affected their lives and Alcohoot provided insight into the numerous factors that play a role in blood alcohol content. The events coincided with the Labor Day DUI enforcement period and launch of CDOT's DUI awareness campaign, "A Few Can Still Be Dangerous." The campaign served as an important reminder that even if an individual has only had a few drinks, it doesn't mean it's safe to drive. Research has shown that the group most at risk of driving impaired are 21 to 35 year-old males, who do not think a few drinks can impair their ability to drive.
"Alcohoot is extremely proud to have joined CDOT and Uber in this innovative approach to promoting safety and responsibility," said Chris Ayala, the CEO of Alcohoot's parent company, Vertisense Inc. "By embracing advances in sensor technology and transportation, the State of Colorado has again proven itself to be a leader in the effort to reduce impaired driving by combining education and technology."
About Alcohoot
Alcohoot, the flagship brand of Vertisense Inc., is the world's most advanced smartphone alcohol tracker. Alcohoot's FDA-registered device uses a police grade fuel cell sensor to accurately measure blood alcohol content through iOS and Android apps. The free app lets users track their blood alcohol content, connects to ride-share services, and locates nearby restaurants.
Vertisense Inc. is a Techstars company based in New York City developing innovative hardware and software solutions for human condition monitoring to accurately test and track a person's health. For more information, visit www.alcohoot.com.
