Thanksgiving Eve: A Deadly Night for Drunk Driving

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned of a spike in DUI crashes on Thanksgiving Eve, also known as "Blackout Wednesday" or "Drinksgiving." The combination of increased drinking and more people traveling on the roads leads to accidents caused by impaired driving. Data from 2017 to 2021 shows that there were 137 drivers involved in fatal alcohol-related crashes on Thanksgiving Eve nationwide, with 36 drivers involved in such crashes in 2021 alone. To ensure a safe journey, the NHTSA advises using sober ride programs, rideshare services, or taxis, and designating a sober driver before consuming any alcohol.