Slogan for the 2018 National Responsible Drinking Awareness Week. (Photos: China.org.cn)

The 2018 National Responsible Drinking Awareness Week was launched in Beijing on Friday as part of ongoing efforts to remove the deadly impact of drunk driving.

Initiated by China Alcohol Drinks Association in 2015, the annual awareness week starts from the third Friday of October each year, with three alternate themes of "Be Responsible & Rational - No Drinking & Driving", "Caring for, but no Alcohol for Minors" and "Drink Moderately & Live a Happy Life".

Focusing on "Be Responsible & Rational - No Drinking & Driving", this year's event is designed to stop the scourge of drunk driving through the collective efforts of government departments, the business community, social organizations, media and the public.

Apart from Beijing, the event is also being held in more than 400 other cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

One of the highlights of Friday's launch ceremony was the release of a themed micro movie entitled "In a moment", revealing the dangers of drunk driving through the story of two strangers brought together on a rainy night.

Chinese actor Zhang Xilin, who also starred in the movie, was appointed a publicity ambassador for this year's awareness week.

The ceremony also featured the release of "White Paper on Preventing Drunk Driving 2018", the launch of a booklet on responsible drinking and other activities.