What is Blackout Wednesday?

You may have seen articles recently or have heard people talk about “Blackout Wednesday” and be unsure what the day is. Blackout Wednesday is the name given to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. When Thanksgiving comes around every year, this signals the busy time that is associated with the holiday season. During the holiday season, people tend to let loose more, associate with family and friends, and drink more alcohol.

Heavy alcohol consumption and driving are not a good pair. Drunk driving and highly dangerous. One of the most well-known days of the year for partying and consuming excessive alcoholic beverages is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. As such, this day has been called “Blackout Wednesday.”

Drunk drivers exist on the road every day of the year and present a serious and grave threat to everyone around them. But, traveling on Blackout Wednesday puts you at a 55% increased risk that you will drive by a drunk driver. This means that you have a considerable and significant risk that you could be in a car accident. 

If you were in a crash, or if someone you love was hurt in a car accident in Oklahoma, you may meet with an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney at the Putnam Law Office for legal guidance and representation. 

Why is The Wednesday before Thanksgiving Called Blackout Wednesday

There is an uptick in drinking and deadly crashes that happen on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving which is why the day gets its name of Blackout Wednesday. 

The National Traffic Safety Administration notes how dangerous the day is to travel on the roadways. During the time between 2017 through 2021, 830 people died in completely preventable crashes caused by drunk drivers. While most all demographics tend to be more open to drinking during the holidays, it is younger drivers who are particularly keen on drinking, and driving. 

The NHTSA reports that the largest demographic who are drunk drivers who have deadly crashes on Thanksgiving are individuals aged 21 to 24. This age group makes up as high as 44% of all of the fatal crashes that happen during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Whether you plan on drinking over the holidays or not, if you will be traveling, you should be prepared for the perils that exist during the holiday season. Remember to never drive drunk and if you see someone getting behind the wheel inebriated see if you can negotiate a safer, sober ride for them. Always wear your seatbelt while you are in your car and make sure all your passengers are secured in safety belts or seats. Don’t drive if you are drowsy and try to limit distractions. Choose to drive during the day if possible. 

Speak to an Attorney at the Putnam Law Office Today

The holiday season is a great time to gather with loved ones and during Thanksgiving, remembering all of the things you are grateful for is the foundation for the holiday. 

Staying alert and driving responsibly can minimize the risk of a crash during this holiday season. However, if you are injured in a car accident, you are welcome to call the Putnam Law Office to schedule a free consultation with an attorney at (405) 849-9149.