Alcohol Countermeasure Systems, a Canadian manufacturer of breath-alcohol testing products, announced today its continued funding of researchers at Canadian universities to develop a breath test for the detection of cannabis.
Drug-impaired driving is a significant problem and with the pending legalization of cannabis for personal use on Oct. 17, 2018, there is a growing concern regarding the ability to detect cannabis in drivers for traffic safety enforcement purposes. Presently, 24 percent of drivers report driving within two hours of consumption, which may well increase with greater accessibility of cannabis.
The THC level in the blood peaks within 30 minutes of smoking cannabis, and is detectable with current roadside devices for approximately two hours. In addition, the impairing effects of the drug may last for several hours. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rapid, reliable, noninvasive roadside test that can detect low levels of THC on the breath or in the saliva of a driver.
The ACS group of scientists has worked with universities in Canada to sponsor R&D of a roadside test that could quickly and reliably detect drugs on the breath. The technology uses microfluid channels for isolation of the drug, and electrochemistry or optical methods for detection and analysis. The technology promises to be a low-cost alternative to roadside testing for drugs for traffic safety enforcement.
Starting as a research division in 1976, ACS successfully developed a technological solution to prevent impaired driving. ACS worked closely with legislators, regulators, as well as research and advocacy institutions for many decades to improve road safety. This continued investment with leading Canadian universities will enable ACS to leverage research and introduce new products to support changing legislation and tools for law enforcement agencies.
About ACS
Alcohol Countermeasure Systems is an international group of companies with over 40 years of experience developing innovative technology to prevent impaired driving. As a leading designer/manufacturer of alcohol ignition interlocks and breath alcohol testers, ACS provides products and services to law enforcement, automotive, industrial, public and personal safety markets. ACS improves global road safety through innovative design, manufacturing and customer support services. www.acs-corp.com
