Call it Drinksgiving or Blackout Wednesday, there’s no denying that the day before Thanksgiving is a major holiday of its own ... one devoted to binge drinking.
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The tradition began for many during college days when the holidays means returning home and reuniting with pals and many keep it alive and well by taking to bars or to their neighbors house to share a cocktail or beer before Thanksgiving. That's all fine and good but here's a note of caution because AAA reveals a large number will get behind the wheel and drive while intoxicated.
And that's no way to celebrate any holiday.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, 35% of fatal car crashes on the day before Thanksgiving involved drunk drivers.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has called out the statistic, urging Americans to have better plans when it comes to their pre-Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving drinking plans.
“Thanksgiving should be a time for families to gather, connect, and give thanks,” MADD CEO Stacey Stewart said. “By planning ahead for a safe ride home, you can help protect not only your loved ones but everyone on the road from impaired driving. Whether it’s designating a sober driver, using a rideshare, or opting for public transportation, making the safe choice has never been easier — and it will save lives.”
The NHTSA also reports that during the Thanksgiving holiday in 2022, 184 fatal traffic crashes involved drivers whose blood alcohol concentration was .08 or higher.
Because of this, MADD is asking Thanksgiving hosts to ensure all of their guests get home safe and have a plan to get home safe if they’ve been drinking.
“By helping guests plan a safe way home or offering them a place to stay, hosts can significantly reduce the risk of impaired driving crashes and make this holiday season safer for all,” MADD shared in a blog.
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