Thanksgiving is a four-day holiday weekend for most people, with the holiday itself falling on a Thursday and being followed by Black Friday and the weekend. This means that many students and workers who are off for the holiday weekend kick off the celebration on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving Day – often by drinking alcohol. For this reason, this day has been referred to as “Blackout Wednesday.” It is an extremely dangerous night for drivers.
On Thanksgiving Day itself, alcohol-impaired accidents are also a problem. Many people start celebrating the holiday by drinking early, such as while deep-frying a turkey. This may be followed by more drinking at dinner or with family and friends afterward. When it comes time to return home, too many people make the mistake of driving while impaired or intoxicated on Thanksgiving night.