The National Department of Transportation reports that buzzed driving is prevalent over Thanksgiving due in part to cultural phenomena like “Blackout Wednesday”. Blackout Wednesday refers to the heavy consumption of alcohol and drugs throughout this holiday weekend. Impaired-driving-related crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday season.
From 2015 to 2019, 135 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were alcohol-impaired, and over the entire holiday period (6 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through 5:59 a.m. the Monday after Thanksgiving), nearly 800 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes.
The cost of drunk driving could mean fatal injuries for some. There is also a financial burden that comes with a DUI with the average DUI case costing $10,000 in attorney and court fees.
Always remember to plan if you will be celebrating. If you plan to drink, plan ahead for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously and do not consume alcohol, not even one drink.
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If available, use a taxi or an Uber/Lyft
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 911.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and decide to get your friend home safe.
- Be the designated driver, many bars offer free soft drinks to sober drivers so take advantage.
Make it a safe Thanksgiving holiday!!!
