Everyone has heard of Thanksgiving, but have you heard of Blackout Wednesday? This unofficial holiday has many nicknames, like Drinksgiving and Whiskey Wednesday. All of the names symbolize the heavy amount of drinking that occurs on Thanksgiving Eve. Let’s discuss more about Blackout Wednesday and how you can stay safe this year.
Blackout Wednesday
Blackout Wednesday is celebrated each year on the night before Thanksgiving. On this night, people gather at bars and socialize with friends before the Thanksgiving feast the next day. For many people, this is a time to reconnect with hometown peers while everyone is back in town for the holiday weekend. Usually, beer and liquor sales increase by well over 100% on this night.
DUI
While Blackout Wednesday festivities are a fun tradition for many, they also lead to a spike in DUI arrests and accidents. In some cities, Blackout Wednesday is the night with the most DUI arrests of the entire year.
Here is some important information to keep in mind about DUIs and Thanksgiving:
- In a four-year span, more than800 people died in DUI accidents over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
- About one-third of accidents over Thanksgiving weekend involve alcohol.
- More than 40,000 people are injured in DUI crashes each Thanksgiving weekend.
- The average American will drink 100% more than usual over the holidays.
If you’re participating in Blackout Wednesday this year, make sure you do so safely.
Avoid DUI Arrest This Holiday Weekend
You don’t want to start the holiday season with a DUI arrest or injuries from a car crash.
If you’re planning on participating in Blackout Wednesday, take these precautions to avoid an unexpected criminal charge or car accident:
- Have a Designated Driver: see if one of your friends will volunteer to stay sober. This way, you know for sure how you’re getting home at the end of the night.
- Use a Rideshare Program: Uber and Lyft are simple to use and much cheaper than a potential DUI. Have these apps pre-downloaded and your payment information stored to make calling a driver as easy as possible at the end of the night.
- Ask a Family Member for a Ride: before going to the bar, see if a sober family member would be willing to pick you up at a pre-specified time and location.
Bend, Oregon DUI Defense
If you are charged with DUI this Thanksgiving weekend, Baxter Law, LLC is here to help. This is a serious charge that can impact your driving rights, career, and reputation. During an initial case consultation, we can learn more about the details of your arrest and determine your best course of action.
Click here or call (541) 238-9210 to set up an appointment with our Bend DUII lawyers.