To test the hypothesis, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine had 22 adults subject their bodies to the painful task of consuming a mixed vodka drink until their breath alcohol concentration measured 0.20 percent. The premise is simple: in the same way that our smartphones use an accelerometer to help track our steps by monitoring our walking movements, this motion sensor could likewise help in predicting intoxication by monitoring one’s gait.
While this may seem like common sense to those who have witnessed the unsteady walk and unsavory speech from a friend who likely had a few too many drinks, a smartphone could be a proactive, real-time tool to complement a breathalyzer, help prevent drunk driving, and even reduce alcohol consumption for those trying to come clean. According to a new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, your smartphone can tell you if you’re drunk.
