DRACUT (WBZ-AM) -- The Dracut School Committee will consider a proposal to use breathalysers on students in their schools before proms and athletic events.
School superintendent Steven Stone, who recommended the policy, said it's entirely based on student safety.
"Students would be provided advanced notice," Stone told WBZ NewsRadio 1030. "Policy calls for advanced notice that students, if they were going to attend the prom, would subject themselves to a passive breath alcohol test."
If suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, students would blow at the unit from inches away.
Each unit is priced at $500-$700. Stone said the passive breathalyzers are used in other communities with positive results.
The decision on whether or not to purchase the breathalyzers will be made after a second discussion at the next school committee meeting.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports