Thanksgiving’s Deadly Roads: How ‘Blackout Wednesday’ Fuels Drunk-Driving Deaths
The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most dangerous times on the roads due to impaired driving. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 people died in drunk-driving crashes during this period—over a third of all traffic fatalities. Now, organisations like AAA and MADD are working to cut these deaths by 20% within five years.
The risks begin even before Thanksgiving Day. The night before, often called 'blackout Wednesday' or 'drinksgiving,' sees heavy alcohol use, especially among college students returning home. This binge drinking contributes to a spike in crashes.
The push to reduce impaired driving comes as Thanksgiving remains a high-risk period for road deaths. With 868 fatalities linked to drunk driving over the past five years, the focus is on prevention. Campaigns by AAA, MADD, and other groups aim to make the roads safer through awareness and practical measures.
