Thanksgiving is one of the most traveled days of the year as people across the US come together over turkey, stuffing, and other traditional holiday foods. Many see the holiday season as an opportunity to socialize with those they rarely see throughout the year, but others use this time away from responsibilities to increase their alcohol intake. According to Morning Recovery, the average American consumes twice as much alcohol during the time between Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when compared to any other time during the year.
Often called Blackout Wednesday or Drinksgiving, the night before Thanksgiving is far more rambunctious than Turkey Day itself. People flock to bars and house parties because many do not have to work the following day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 135 drivers were involved in fatal car crashes on Blackout Wednesday between 2015 and 2019. During the same period, over 800 people died in drunk driving collisions over the Thanksgiving holiday (Wednesday through Sunday night). After spending the 2020 holidays in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one can only assume that this year’s Drinksgiving will be one to remember – or forget, depending on how much you drink.
To stay safe on the roads during the holiday season, MAS Law recommends planning before your party. It is never okay to drink and drive. Instead, plan ahead with a designated driver or be prepared to use a transportation service such as Uber or Lyft. Should you be the designated driver in your group, use defensive driving practices and be aware of how other drivers behave on the road around you.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a car accident, call the Lawyers On Your Side© at MAS Law to receive an initial consultation.