National Alcohol Screening Day

National Alcohol Screening Day is an American observance dedicated to breathalyzers. Thanks to these devices, drivers can be tested for sobriety. This invention has significantly improved the ability to detect drunk drivers, which has had a positive impact on reducing accidents worldwide. The holiday is observed every year on the Thursday of the first full week in April.

History

Alcohol is a substance that acts as a poison in its purest form, yet it does not carry the same negative connotations in society as other drugs. However, the mechanism of alcohol is similar to that of other drugs: it induces a feeling of relaxation, as ethanol acts directly on the cells. Alcohol is often a part of family gatherings or work parties. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers of alcohol consumption and may get behind the wheel while under its influence. This mistake can have fatal consequences, as a drunk person’s level of concentration quickly decreases, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

National Alcohol Screening Day was created by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (N.C.A.D.D.), an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug addiction. The organization also actively participates in the implementation of innovative treatment programs for addicts.

Interesting Facts

• In America, breathalyzers began gaining popularity in the 1930s. However, it took decades before devices were developed that could detect the amount of ethanol present, rather than just its presence.
• The modern version of the breathalyzer tube was patented by the German company Dräger in 1953.
• In the U.S., the maximum allowable level of alcohol in exhaled breath is 0.08%, but driving under the influence can still result in heavy fines and legal consequences.

How to Celebrate

Remind your family and friends who own a car about the dangers of drunk driving. Learn more about the dangers of alcohol and its effects on the body! If you have a problem with alcohol and have wanted to quit for a long time, start taking steps to kick the habit today.

Share information about the holiday on social media. Ask users if they’ve ever driven drunk. How did it end?

When is National Alcohol Screening Day in 2025?

National Alcohol Screening Day is observed every year on the Thursday of the first full week of April.

Observations