2016 Election Day BAC Results

Election Day drinking behavior as surprising as the presidential election results.

In our latest Consumption Report, we analyze average BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) levels across the U.S. on Election Day 2016.

Given the emotional rollercoaster ride of this presidential campaign, Clinton’s anticipated victory, and the fact Google Trends reported a 220% increase in searches for “election drinking game,” we expected to see higher than average BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) levels across the U.S. on November 8th.

However, Election Day drinking behavior was as surprising as the presidential election results.

  • BACtrack data shows Americans had one of the lowest average BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) levels of the entire year at 0.038%.
  • Blue and Red State average BAC levels were nearly identical.

 

Key Takeaways

The average BAC level for Election Day is one of the lowest of the entire year at .038%

  • Results were lower than the average BAC for all Tuesdays in 2016 (0.043%) and among the lowest of the entire year to date.
  • What does this all mean? Americans were glued to their flat screens eagerly awaiting results in the close race; nobody was celebrating a winning candidate.

Just as the presidential election was close, so were average BAC levels in Red and Blue States

  • The average BAC level for Red States (0.039%) is nearly identical to the average BAC for Blue States (0.037%).

    Average BAC levels increased as the day went on rising to 0.056% BAC from 8 PM to 12 PM and as Trump was closing in on victory.

    • BAC levels averaged 0.022% from the hours of 12 PM to 4 PM and 0.036% from 4PM to 8PM.
    • The evening average from 8 PM to 12 AM (0.056% BAC) was still well under a Saturday average BAC of 0.080%, which is also the legal limit.
    • The unknown: which party caused the average BAC level to rise – Clinton supporters drowning their sorrows or Trump supporters starting to taste victory.

      BACtrack Mobile in Action

      Breathalyzing Hillary Fans at The Democratic National Convention

      How drunk were the people at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia? Watch to find out!

      Posted by BACtrack on Thursday, July 28, 2016
      Breathalyzing Trump Fans at The Republican National Convention

      How drunk were the people at the GOP Convention in Cleveland? Watch to find out!

      Posted by BACtrack on Thursday, July 21, 2016

      Methodology

      As always, the purpose of our BACtrack Consumption Reports is to provide insight into alcohol consumption patterns to encourage people to consider the effects of alcohol and make smarter decisions.

      Data for this BACtrack Consumption Report was collected anonymously from users of the BACtrack app and which syncs with BACtrack Mobile and BACtrack Vio smartphone breathalyzers. Data is viewed in aggregate and represents unique BAC tests from 12AM to 11:59 PM on Election Day, November 8, 2016. Data used in this report was collected from U.S. users only with data storage activated, location services turned on, and does not represent data from all users.

      • Media inquiries, contact media@bactrack.com or Stacey Sachs at stacey.sachs@bactrack.com or 415/425-8324.
      • BACtrack sales, contact sales@bactrack.com
      • Developers interested in our API or SDK, contact developer@bactrack.com or visit sdk.bactrack.com
      • Researchers interested in data collaboration, contact info@bactrack.com.
      • Or call us toll-free at 877.334.6876.

      How a BACtrack Works

      When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed from the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines into the bloodstream.

      As blood flows through the lungs, alcohol in the bloodstream moves across the membranes of the lung’s air sacs (alveoli) into the air. The concentration of the alcohol in the alveolar air is directly related to the concentration of the alcohol in the blood. As the alveolar air is exhaled, the alcohol in it can be detected by the breath alcohol testing device.

      BACtrack Mobile and BACtrack Vio Smartphone Breathalyzers

      All data in this study was collected from the BACtrack Mobile, BACtrack's award-winning smartphone breathalyzer with police-grade Xtend®Fuel Cell Sensor Technology, and BACtrack Vio. When a user blows into BACtrack Mobile or BACtrack Vio, BAC results are wirelessly transmitted via Bluetooth® to an iOS or Android device, including Apple Watch. With the free BACtrack companion app, a user can get more than a simple BAC result -- they can track, save and share BAC results, attach a note or photo to a result, and with BACtrack's ZeroLine® feature, get an estimate of when their BAC will return to 0.00%.

      About BACtrack

      San Francisco‐based BACtrack is the #1 selling breathalyzer in North America, offering a full range of innovative products for both personal and professional use. Founded in 2001, BACtrack helps people monitor their blood alcohol content and make informed decisions about alcohol consumption. BACtrack has won Popular Science's 'Best of What's New' Award for its innovation in health, a Good Design award for best in category for consumer electronics, and has been named the top breathalyzer brand by Car & Driver. In 2016, BACtrack created the first wearable Alcohol Monitor, BACtrack Skyn, which won the NIH 'Wearable Alcohol Biosensor Challenge.' BACtrack products have been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, WIRED, Fast Company and other national and international publications. BACtrack breathalyzers are available in 20 countries and at over 15,000 store locations including Walgreens, Costco, Best Buy, Target, Rite Aid, and Pep Boys. BACtrack products can also be purchased online at BACtrack.com, Amazon, Walmart.com and Target.com. Connect with BACtrack via Twitter and on Facebook. For more company information, explore our site, www.bactrack.com.