Overview
- Industry tracking shows Thanksgiving Eve drinking keeps climbing, with BeerBoard reporting last year’s on‑premise spirit sales up 39.6%, packaged beer and cider up 18%, and wine up 28.7% versus the prior year.
- Federal data underscore the danger, as NHTSA recorded 92 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve 2023 with about one‑third impaired by alcohol, and the National Safety Council tallied 309 deaths over the holiday weekend with 44% unbelted.
- Texas is increasing Highway Patrol enforcement from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 30, prioritizing DWI, speeding and seat belt compliance under the state’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign.
- Texas DPS Sgt. Dila Hidalgo said crashes ‘spike’ starting on Blackout Wednesday; DPS counted more than 1,700 crashes statewide on the night last year, including two fatal incidents, and urged drivers to plan a sober ride and avoid THC impairment.
- Harm‑reduction options are expanding locally, with San Antonio’s Free Rides Program offering free Uber trips home within city limits for people who should not drive.