Blackout Wednesday: Dangers of Impaired Driving on Thanksgiving Eve

The Rise of Blackout Wednesday

• 💡 Thanksgiving Eve, often called "Blackout Wednesday" or "National Drinking Day," is a popular night for drinking at bars and clubs before the holiday.
• ⚠️ This night has also earned a reputation for dangerous decisions, leading to significant impacts on lives.

Dangers on the Roadways

• 🚗 The night before Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous days of the year on roadways.
• 📊 National traffic safety data indicates that nearly half of fatal crashes during the holiday weekend are alcohol-related.
• 💥 Incidents like a crash in Anaheim, where a man collided with parked cars and was arrested on suspicion of DUI, highlight the risks.

Law Enforcement Efforts

• 👮 Law enforcement agencies are aware of the night's reputation and increase enforcement to find impaired drivers.
• 🔍 Officers are on the lookout for classic signs of drunk driving, such as swerving and struggling to maintain lanes.
• 💰 Torrance police, for example, are using state funding to beef up enforcement specifically targeting impaired drivers.

Making Safe Choices

• 📱 Police emphasize that there is no excuse for impaired driving, citing the availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
• ✅ They urge people to make smart decisions and ensure they have a sober driver if celebrating.
• 🚶 Many individuals, like those interviewed, plan to walk home or use ride shares to stay safe.