One type of saliva self-test recently introduced is the Guardian Angel Personal Alcohol Test. Sentry Insurance of Wisconsin plans to distribute more than 100,000 of the testing kits in 12 states.

But police question whether the test saves lives by keeping intoxicated drivers off the road, or provides a false sense of security and encourages unsafe drinking.

Wisconsin police discourage self-testing. "Especially in a bar setting, people aren't going to be that careful about following directions from a self-test kit. I don't think you can check your own blood-alcohol level and be safe," said A.J. Llanas, a state patrol trooper at the District 2 headquarters in Waukesha.

Detective Steve Pederson of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department cautioned that some drinkers could use the tests to push their drinking limits, or as a party game to see who can become the most intoxicated. "I can see them becoming a novelty item," he said.

On the other hand, highway patrols in Colorado, Wyoming, and other states are handing out the Guardian Angel Personal Alcohol Test as part of their alcohol education efforts.

"Being realists, we realize that drinking is part of our society," said Col. Lonnie Westphal, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "So while our enforcement focuses on the letter of the law, we want to be as aggressive as possible in looking for effective solutions that help people make the right decision to not drive after drinking."

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