Breathalyzer maker lobbied for DWI law

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PARIS, June 28 (UPI) -- The head of a group that lobbied for a French law requiring drivers to carry self-breathalyzing kits also works for a maker of the device, a newspaper reports.

The law takes effect Sunday, France 24 reports. While the group, I-Test, lobbied for the law, other driving groups say it will not bring down France's high rate of deaths from drunk driving.

The newspaper Sud-Ouest reported that Daniel Orgeval works for both I-Test and Contralco, one of two makers of the kit.

Chantal Perrichon of the French League Against Road Violence told the radio station Europe 1 the law will only "make the manufacturers rich."

The law requires all drivers, including visitors from other countries, to carry the kits. Critics like Perrichon say the device's readings are unreliable and most drivers know already when they should not be behind the wheel.

About one-third of French road deaths are attributed to drunk driving, compared to 17 percent in Britain and 12 percent in Germany.

Orgeval defended his dual role, saying he lobbied for "road safety."