The COVID-19 pandemic transformed countless aspects of our daily lives. From the way we work and socialise to how we perceive personal responsibility, the ripple effects are still evident. Among these shifts, one unexpected area has seen significant change—breathalyser usage among young Australians.

From pre-party rituals to responsible group outings, the role of personal breathalysers has evolved significantly since the pandemic. But why has this trend taken hold, and what does it tell us about the values of younger Australians in a post-pandemic world? This blog takes a closer look at emerging trends, explores the reasons behind them, and uncovers what this says about social habits and personal responsibility.

The Rise of Personal Breathalyser Use

A Snapshot of Changing Habits

Prior to the pandemic, personal breathalysers were often considered niche products, typically used by professionals or individuals with a strong focus on personal responsibility. Fast forward to 2023, and they’ve become almost commonplace among young Australians, particularly in urban areas.

Research from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau shows a 35% increase in sales of personal breathalysers among Australians aged 18 to 30 between 2020 and 2023. Conversations with retailers show customer anecdotes ranging from individuals buying breathalysers for post-football gatherings to those purchasing them as housewarming gifts for friends.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Behaviour

COVID-19 reshaped how we think about health, safety, and personal responsibility. For young Australians, the pandemic brought these considerations into sharp focus. With extended lockdowns and restricted movement, there was an increase in home-based gatherings and reduced access to public transportation, encouraging greater self-reliance.

The “new normal” also increased awareness around the small actions each individual can take to protect themselves and others. While much of this focus was initially on health—such as mask-wearing and social distancing—it seems to have extended to other areas of life, including drinking responsibly. The act of carrying a breathalyser in one’s pocket or keeping it in the car has become synonymous with a mindset focused on personal accountability.

The Key Drivers Behind Increased Breathalyser Use

Social Awareness and Peer Influence

Younger generations tend to be more socially conscious than their predecessors, and this has undoubtedly impacted the way they approach drinking and driving. A 2022 survey by the National Road Safety Partnership Program found that 62% of respondents aged 18–25 said they felt responsible for ensuring their friends got home safely. This growing sense of collective responsibility, combined with individual accountability, has fuelled breathalyser trends.

Additionally, social norms have shifted significantly. Peer groups are less tolerant of risky behaviours, such as driving under the influence, due in part to increased awareness campaigns and the prevalence of social media. Products like breathalysers, which make verifying sobriety simple, have naturally found their place in this evolved social landscape.

Accessible Technology

The affordability and accessibility of modern breathalysers have also played a major role in their adoption. Over the last decade, advancements in technology have made these once-expensive devices compact, accurate, and cost-effective. Brands have responded with targeted marketing aimed at younger demographics, offering breathalysers directly through online stores and social media platforms.

For many, the thought of saving a few hundred dollars on a ride-sharing service versus risking thousands of dollars’ worth of fines—or worse—has further contributed to their popularity. Affordable options provide an easy way to make responsible decisions, with discreet sizes and sleek designs making them desirable accessories.

Increased Law Enforcement

The pandemic’s early days saw a decrease in roadside alcohol breath-testing, which some individuals may have interpreted as relaxed enforcement. However, since 2021, there’s been a renewed focus on impaired driving as governments and law enforcement agencies aim to reduce fatalities.

Government investments into drink-driving education campaigns have further amplified the message. For instance, Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission launched its “Paranoia” campaign, which uses striking visuals to remind individuals about the dangers of driving over the limit. These campaigns, combined with an increased presence of random breath-testing, have helped cement the importance of self-regulation, leaving personal breathalysers standing as one of the easiest tools for ensuring compliance.

How Young Australians Are Integrating Breathalysers into Their Lives

Pre-Party Safety Rituals

Among young Australians, personal breathalysers are now as common a sight at parties as portable speakers or cooler bags. Instead of guessing their limits, party-goers are using their breathalysers for added reassurance before considering getting behind the wheel. This “safety ritual” has steadily gained traction, with many finding that it removes pressure to “guess responsibly.”

Encouraging Group Accountability

The use of breathalysers at social gatherings has also led to group accountability. It’s not uncommon for a designated, sober friend to run breath tests for others at a party. With technology making these devices fast and easy to read, they’ve become a way to engage in responsible behaviours collectively while also removing potential embarrassment.

Keeping “Just in Case” in the Car

Many young Australians purchase personal breathalysers to keep in their glovebox or compartment for spontaneous events. Whether it’s a celebration after a sports game or an impromptu dinner with colleagues, having the ability to check blood alcohol levels on the go ensures there’s less temptation to take risks.

The Broader Implications of This Trend

A Shift Towards Responsible Living

The surge in breathalyser usage underscores a clear shift towards more self-aware and responsible living among younger Australians. It highlights the growing desire to take ownership of personal safety and demonstrates how individual actions can make broader societal impacts.

Tech-Driven Solutions to Social Problems

Young Australians are leveraging technology not only to enhance convenience but also to address large-scale issues like road safety. From ride-sharing platforms to breathalyser apps that integrate with smartphones, this demographic is proving that technology and responsibility can go hand-in-hand.

Building a Culture of Trust and Care

Collective accountability is becoming part of a new cultural narrative. By integrating personal breathalysers into their social habits, millennials and Gen Z reinforce the need for mutual care and advocacy within their peer groups.

What’s Next for Breathalyser Trends?

The future of breathalyser adoption in Australia looks promising. With new features like smartphone integration and reusable mouthpieces, devices are set to become even more appealing. Additionally, growing legislation on driving under the influence of substances other than alcohol (like cannabis) is likely to spotlight tools that allow for more comprehensive personal screening.

Brands will also play a major role in sustaining this trend. Partnerships with ride-sharing apps, bundled promotions with health-conscious products, and community-driven campaigns are all on the horizon.

Takeaway Thoughts for Young Australians

Breathalysers might seem like small devices, but their ripple effect on road safety cannot be overstated. By taking these simple steps, young Australians are showing us how technology, accountability, and care can combine to make a powerful impact.

Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a night out, or simply want peace of mind, adding a personal breathalyser to your kit could be one of the smartest choices you make.