PinA Minnesota DWI can have serious repercussions. From a criminal conviction with jail and fines to administrative sanctions such as loss of driver’s license or vehicle forfeiture to civil consequences from a lawsuit, a DWI can have life-changing consequences.

In an age of increasingly sophisticated technology—particularly smart phone apps—there are numerous tools on the market  that hold themselves out as being able to determine an individual’s blood alcohol level.   The problem is when people rely on such devices to potentially aid or help them avoid driving drunk or being criminally charged with a DWI offense.

It is imperative to note that refusing to drive a motor vehicle after having consumed alcoholic beverages is the most assured way and the best way to prevent a DWI and staying safe, not to mention planning ahead and arranging for a sober driver.  Nevertheless, below is a mention of several apps on the market that purport to be able to determine an individual’s blood alcohol level.  Also, there are apps listed which would allow a person to more easily plan ahead and arrange that sober ride home.

Drink Tracker/Alco Droid

Drink Tracker—for iOS—and Alco Droid—for Android—helps you estimate your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by factoring in your age, gender, height, weight, number and type of drinks, and food consumption and gives your real time BAC levels. It also provides a ball park estimate as to when you should stop drinking before it is safe for you to drive.

Both of these apps depend on the user to regular input drinks manually which may not be done as the person becomes increasingly intoxicated.

DrinkControl

This Android app lets you log and track your alcohol consumption and also automatically converts said consumption into standard units of alcohol. You can also calculate the amount you’ve spent on drinks during your night out.

ENDUI

ENDUI also provides an estimate of your BAC based on various factors; however, ENDUI also has games to test your reflexes and demonstrate the effects of alcohol on your reaction time. While not the most user-friendly interface, this app also provides DWI facts and videos as well as the ability to report drunk drivers through the app. ENDUI is available for both iOS and Android.

Breathometer

This app uses an external portable breathalyzer that can measure your actual BAC and then lets you know when you need to stop drinking before it is safe to drive.

Alcohoot

This app is a mobile personal breathalyzer that connects to your phone’s audio jack and provides BAC readings. It also enables you to contact ride share companies, find local restaurants in case you need to wait to sober up, and use various learning algorithms to stay safe.

The following apps can help get you home safely.

Uber/Lyft

These popular ride-sharing apps can help you get home safely if you are too intoxicated to drive. Experts recommend saving your address and credit card number on an app ahead of time to give you one less thing to worry about.

Have a Plan

This app lets you create a plan if you are going out drinking by inputting names and numbers of contacts. It also has a “get a ride” feature that enables you to locate and contact local taxicab companies via GPS. This app is also available in both iOS and Android 

SaferRide

This easy-to-use app for both iOS and Android enables you to call friends, contact nearby taxi companies, and let you know where you are via GPS. 

Dryver and StearClear

These unique apps let you hire a professional driver to take you home in your own vehicle. Early driver selection and scheduling ensures that things go smoothly.

DDVIP

Also available for iOS and Android, DDVIP provides discounts, deals, and other offers to designated drivers.