Should you trust a breathalyzer?

TAMPA - Some people are turning to personal breathalyzers to decide whether to get behind the wheel, but the technology isn't getting the green light from everyone.

In new commercials, the Florida Department of Transportation makes it clear drinking and driving won't be tolerated. Unfortunately, tis the season for impaired driving, according to law enforcement, and they say the number of drunk driving crashes typically increases during the holiday season.

It's the reason personal breathalyzers are on the market and growing in popularity. One company offers "professional accuracy".

At the Press Box sports bar in Tampa, patrons can find out how impaired they might be. The bar recently set up a breathalyzer near the door.

"The customers seem to like it a lot, and they stand in line sometimes to blow," said manager Jason Loughran.

"People that are out drinking need to know if they should get behind the wheel or not," said customer Lyle Russell.

You blow into the machine through a straw. It gives a blood alcohol content, but the accuracy isn't guaranteed.

"We did it as a novelty, but also to let people know and realize, 'hey you realize hey you are really drunk and maybe you shouldn't be doing this and driving,'" said Loughran.

Law enforcement we talked to said the best way to prevent DUI crashes is to not drink and drive at all.

"We believe the safest way to ensure your safe return home is to take designated driver with you," said Hillsborough Sheriff's Corporal Troy Morgan.

He says driving even after one beer is not safe. In the state of Florida, the legal limit to drink and drive is at blood alcohol level of .08. But even .02 can impair driving, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Back at the Press Box, other customers say they wouldn't use the breathalyzer machine.

"If I feel I've had too much to drink, I'd walk. Probably the best thing, or call a cab," said Tom Hogue.

But analysts say the personal breathalyzer market has increased from $28 to $215 million in the past four years. They cost anywhere from less than $10 to hundreds.