If you’re already dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident, you may still be somewhat anxious when you get behind the wheel. The upcoming holiday season may be particularly nerve-wracking because you know that there are more drunk drivers on the road than ever. Too many people get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking at holiday parties and family gatherings.
However, did you know that in many areas, the biggest drinking day of the year is the day before Thanksgiving? It’s even been given the name “Blackout Wednesday.”
There are many reasons why people head to local bars and restaurants on that day. Companies often let their employees who didn’t take the day off leave early. College kids home from school are getting together with friends before spending the rest of their break with family. Some people just want to leave the house to avoid in-laws or get out of the way of whoever’s in charge of Thanksgiving dinner.
Bars, restaurants and clubs often go all out to advertise their venues as the best place to spend Thanksgiving Eve. There’s big money to be made. A study by Upserve, a restaurant management software provider, found a surge of 270% in beer sales on that day. Liquor sales rose by 114%.
Of course, Blackout Wednesday is just the start of the long holiday weekend. Law enforcement officers will be out in force throughout it to try to prevent drunk driving crashes — many of which have tragic results. In 2016, a third of all fatal crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday involved a drunk driver.
Drunk drivers are just one of the dangers to watch out for this holiday season. Drivers are more likely to be distracted, dealing with kids and pets in the car, drowsy from driving long distances or they’re trying to navigate unfamiliar roads while visiting family and friends. Anyone who suffers injuries as the result of the negligence or actions of another driver should make sure they get the compensation they need to deal with medical bills and other expenses and damages.