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Alcohol Countermeasures Program

Under Section 403 of the Highway Safety Act of 1966, the Secretary of Transportation is required to carry out a research and demonstration program. In the area of alcohol breath testing, the requirements of the Act are met by the NHTSA through the Office of Traffic Injury Control Programs and the Office of Research and Traffic Records. They are supported by a laboratory capability and expertise established at the Volpe Center devoted to the development and evaluation of test procedures and related instrumentation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Alcohol Countermeasures Program was established to deal with the serious problems caused by the intoxicated driver. The Volpe Center is providing continuing support to further reduce this rate through the development and evaluation of measurement techniques for alcohol on the breath, development of performance guidelines for breath measurement devices, testing of instruments intended for police use, and technical support of demonstration and research programs.

Alcohol devices are evaluated according to NHTSA's Model Specifications for Evidential Breath Testers, Alcohol Screening Devices, and Calibrating Units. Those devices that meet the specifications are added to NHTSA's Conforming Products Lists (CPL's.)

The Alcohol Countermeasures Laboratory evaluates other alcohol test devices of interest to the sponsor because of potential usefulness in alcohol countermeasures. Devices to be tested may include ignition interlock devices, disposable or re-useable personal breath testers, passive breath testers, or devices that test other fluids for alcohol (e.g., saliva testers).

In addition, the Alcohol Lab conducts ongoing biannual blood alcohol proficiency tests as a quality control service to participating laboratories. Blood alcohol samples are prepared and then shipped to participating laboratories throughout the world. Reports summarizing overall proficiency are prepared and sent to all participants.