Per AAA, over 50 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving celebrations — 90% by automobile. Heavy traffic, an upsurge in alcohol consumption, and impaired driving is a disaster waiting to happen. That’s why Thanksgiving Eve has another name: Blackout Wednesday (a.k.a. Drinksgiving).
All demographics tick upward when it comes to holiday alcohol intake, but the 21–24 age group sees a disproportionate jump, as approximately 44% of fatal alcohol-related crashes on Blackout Wednesday involve drivers from this group. Tragically, 135 to 185 people lose their lives this night, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration (most recent five-year data). Reasons for this include many young people reuniting with friends they haven’t seen in a while. Some are coming home from college; others are welcoming home friends who have gone off to college. Thanksgiving responsibilities are frequently light or nonexistent. A night on the town beckons.
If you plan to travel the night before Thanksgiving, stay as safe as possible:
- Consider traveling during the day if feasible — fewer drunk drivers and improved visibility.
- Map out your route ahead of time.
- Drive defensively.
- Always buckle up.
- Circumvent the danger zones. Drunk drivers can be anywhere, but there will be higher concentrations in bar districts, tourist areas, and entertainment districts.
- If you are following a suspected drunk driver, don’t attempt to pass. Slow down or pull over. Try to safely record information, and then report the driver to police by calling 911.
If you suffer injury due to a negligent driver, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation
