The night before Thanksgiving, called Drinksgiving or Blackout Wednesday, is significant in our social calendar. With the next day off work and the anticipation of reuniting with loved ones, many of us tend to overindulge in alcohol, turning a festive occasion into a potential disaster.
Drinksgiving: Bigger Than New Year’s Eve?
Drinksgiving is surprisingly prominent, even overshadowing traditional drinking holidays like New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day. According to Ana Verley, Victim Services Specialist for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the night carries significant risks.
“It’s also known as Drinksgiving. And it’s actually more popular than New Year’s Eve or St. Patrick’s Day for drinking. It’s a big, big drinking holiday,” Verley said.
The statistics paint a stark picture. In 2022, 35% of the year’s drunk driving fatalities occurred on the night before Thanksgiving.
“That’s a huge number. And that is a scary number. It should really make people stop and think,” Verley added.
Authorities Stress Safety During Thanksgiving Eve
The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly. Public Information Officer Jennifer Collier shared practical tips for safety during the holiday festivities.
“Have fun. Be safe. If you know you’re going to drink, be responsible and get a designated driver to drive you home. Use rideshare services like Lyft or Uber, or even a taxi,” Collier said. “The cost of a ride is much cheaper than being arrested for a DWI or, worse, injuring yourself or someone else.”
Local restaurants and bars in the Coastal Bend are also stepping up to prevent drinking-related accidents. At La Playa By the Bay, General Manager Jerry Rowe emphasized the importance of responsible service.
“Drinking and driving is never okay. We always take precautions to ensure we’re not over-serving customers,” Rowe explained. “If someone appears intoxicated, we call them an Uber or arrange a ride to make sure they’re not driving.”
Increased Patrols on Thanksgiving Eve
The CCPD will be out in full force on Thanksgiving Eve. Collier highlighted the department’s proactive approach to minimizing the risks associated with the night.
“We’ll have patrol officers conducting traffic stops and looking out for drunk drivers. Our DWI enforcement unit will also be out, and we’ll have zero tolerance for drunk drivers. Additionally, a special bar enforcement unit will be monitoring activity,” Collier said.
These efforts aim to deter unsafe behavior and reduce the likelihood of accidents during one of the most dangerous nights of the year for drunk driving.
Resources for Victims of Drunk Driving
For those who have been affected by drunk driving, MADD offers a 24-hour hotline to provide support and resources. Victims can reach out by calling 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435).
“We’re not against people drinking. The issue is the drinking and the driving,” Verley reiterated.
Celebrate Responsibly This Thanksgiving Eve
As we approach Thanksgiving Eve, remember the importance of responsible celebration. It’s a time to cherish our loved ones, not to put ourselves and others at risk. By taking simple precautions like using rideshare services, having a designated driver, or limiting alcohol consumption, we can ensure that this Thanksgiving Eve is a celebration free from tragedy.
Let’s all do our part to ensure that the holidays remain a time of gratitude, not grief. Remember, celebrating responsibly is a personal choice and a collective responsibility we all share. This Thanksgiving Eve, let’s prioritize safety and ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.