The United States successfully test-fired for the first time a Titan intercontinental ballistic missile from Cape Canaveral. Eighteen Titan I launch complexes (for 54 missiles, each carrying a 4.5 megaton warhead) were built in California, Colorado, Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington state at an average cost of $44.4 million apiece (in constant 1996 dollars). The first silo launching of an ICBM, a USAF Titan at Vandenberg Air Force Base occurred on 3 May 1961. Titan I missiles were only on alert from 1962 to 1965.

Pre-employment alcohol testing for motor carriers was to take place as of the first of this year. However, it was delayed, and as of this date it was determined that May 1 would be the date when the DOT would require trucking companies as well as other transport companies to comply with this new ruling. The testing was to be completed with some type of unit that would check an employee's breath, or would include a test of saliva.