Blackout Wednesday: Thanksgiving Drunk Driving Risks

On Blackout Wednesday, drunk driving risks increase tremendously. This is the night before Thanksgiving, and a time when friends and family often celebrate. Unfortunately, some revelers choose to get behind the wheel while still under the influence of alcohol.

It’s important to understand the driving risks of Blackout Wednesday, so you can plan your travels ahead of time and keep your family safe.

If you have been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, get The Strong Arm™. Our Atlanta DUI accident lawyers have helped our team recover more than $1 billion in awards and settlements for injured Georgians. Call today to schedule your free consultation.

Why is Blackout Wednesday so Dangerous?

Blackout Wednesday, also called Drunksgiving, is one of the busiest drinking nights of the year. People come home for the holidays and reconnect with friends and family. College students on break get together with friends from high school. Many people have a four-day weekend ahead.

Heavy drinking and late-night travel often follow. The combination of alcohol, crowded roads, and fatigue leads to an increase in impaired driving crashes. Driving under the influence presents many risks for other motorists, including:

• Decreased reaction times: Alcohol delays how quickly a driver responds to traffic signals, other cars, or sudden hazards.
• Poor judgment: Drinking makes motorists more likely to take risks, such as speeding or ignoring traffic rules.
• Reduced coordination: Alcohol affects muscle control; a drunk driver may find it harder to steer, brake, or stay in their lane.
• Impaired vision: Drinking can blur vision, distort depth perception, and reduce night vision, making it difficult to judge distance or see clearly.
• Lower concentration: Even small amounts of alcohol can make it harder to focus on driving tasks and handle multiple things at once.
• Drowsiness: Fatigue often increases with alcohol consumption, especially when combined with a long day or late-night driving.
• Overconfidence: Impaired drivers often believe they are more capable than they actually are, leading to reckless decisions.

How Can You Avoid Accidents on Blackout Wednesday?

The best way is to stay off the roads entirely. However, if you are planning to go out on Blackout Wednesday or need to travel due to work or other commitments, making a few wise choices can help keep you safer:

• Avoid driving late at night when the risk of encountering drunk drivers is higher.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Watch for erratic driving behavior, such as swerving or sudden braking.
• Wear your seat belt, stay alert, and avoid distractions like texting.

If you plan to drink, decide how you will get home before the night begins. Use a rideshare app, call a cab, or arrange a designated driver. It also helps to plan your route ahead of time and let someone know when you expect to arrive.

How Does Law Enforcement Handle Blackout Wednesday?

In Georgia, law enforcement treats Blackout Wednesday as a major impaired-driving concern. The Georgia State Patrol and Department of Public Safety launch a statewide holiday enforcement period, increasing patrols on highways and local roads.

Local agencies such as county sheriff’s offices and city police departments also participate via the statewide system. Expect increased trooper and local patrol visibility from Wednesday evening through Sunday of Thanksgiving week.

What Should You Do if You Spot a Drunk Driver?

Driving with a BAC over 0.08% is considered drunk driving. If you suspect or know another driver is intoxicated, call 911 and report their behavior. The police may be able to intervene if you can provide helpful information. Important dos and don’ts include:

• Do make note of the driver’s license plate, and the make, model, and color of their vehicle to the best of your ability.
• Do not attempt to stop, communicate with, or confront the driver as this can worsen or escalate the situation.
• Do increase your following distance if you are behind the driver. Slow down or pull off the road if necessary.
• Do not attempt to pass the vehicle. While putting the driver behind you may seem like a good idea, it can lead to accidents.
• Do remain alert for sudden lane changes or braking.

Stopping a drunk driver may prevent an accident or even save a life, but it’s smart to be a good witness and let the police do their job. The most important thing when encountering a drunk driver on the road is to stay safe.

Get the Help You Need After a DUI Accident

Drunk driving risks increase on Blackout Wednesday, the night before Thanksgiving. Many people enjoy celebrating with alcoholic beverages during the holidays, but when they choose to drive a car while intoxicated, they are liable for the accidents and injuries they cause.

You can increase your chances of avoiding these negligent and dangerous drivers with some thoughtful planning, but accidents still happen. When they do, you can turn to our legal team to find out what damages you can recover in a drunk driving claim.

At John Foy & Associates, our attorneys have over 350 years of combined legal experience. We know how to get the compensation you deserve when you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Call today for your free consultation, and we can discuss your case.