Overview
- The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, widely known as Blackout Wednesday or Drinksgiving, is one of the year’s biggest drinking nights, with a 2023 study reporting 2022 liquor orders up 156%, beer 85% and cocktails 69%.
- NHTSA says 92 drivers were involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve in 2023, and about one third were alcohol‑impaired, with the holiday period defined from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday.
- Texas DPS has ordered extra Texas Highway Patrol enforcement from Nov. 26–30 targeting DWI, speeding and seat‑belt violations, and Harris County Precinct 4 is also boosting traffic operations.
- NHTSA counted 309 U.S. traffic deaths over the 2023 Thanksgiving weekend, and about 44% of those killed were unbelted, while NSC notes roughly 35% of Thanksgiving‑period roadway fatalities involve alcohol‑impaired drivers.
- Safety agencies urge designating a sober driver or using ride services, buckling up on every trip, and recognizing that THC can impair reaction time, lane tracking and coordination.