Blackout Wednesday is coming fast. What is it? It’s the day before Thanksgiving when many people head to their hometowns and other destinations to meet up with friends and family.
It’s this day that is widely celebrated as people get together with people they may not have seen for a long time, but it’s also a day known for heavy drinking.
The risks of DWIs on Blackout Wednesday
Blackout Wednesday, or Thanksgiving Eve, is certainly a busy day. Many go to parties, bars and events where alcohol is present. In fact, the date rivals both St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve in terms of how much alcohol is served and consumed. It is largely recognized as the busiest drinking day of the year.
Drinking on Blackout Wednesday
If you plan to meet friends and family on Blackout Wednesday, be prepared for what is a potentially dangerous night. In 2018, 133 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes between Blackout Wednesday at 6 p.m. and the following Monday at 5:59 a.m.
This day, along with Thanksgiving Day, both pose issues for drivers. There is a risk that people will drive while drunk. Those people could be accused of DWIs or end up involved in serious collisions.
What’s the safest way to avoid problems on Blackout Wednesday?
The simplest solution is to find a designated driver who is willing to drive you home after you have something to drink. If you can’t rely on anyone in the group not to drink, then it’s a good idea to contact a cab or rideshare service. You can often prearrange those rides, so they’ll show up when bars close or events end.
Perhaps more importantly, you shouldn’t be scared to stop others from driving while impaired. Take away the keys of those who are too drunk to drive when you can. Though they might be upset in the moment, you could be helping save their lives and the lives of others.
If you do end up getting pulled over for a DWI, stay calm. You can look into legal options for a defense so that you can protect your driving privileges and prevent serious repercussions.