When asked to name the holidays most often associated with drunken driving accidents, people usually come up with New Year’s Eve or the summer holidays bracketed by Memorial Day and Labor Day, with the 4th of July right in the middle.
While those holidays certainly pose dangers in their own right, so-called “Black Wednesday” is a real danger, too. Otherwise known as Thanksgiving Eve, this 24-hour period has earned the unofficial title of “biggest drinking night of the year.”
Law enforcement recognizes the hazard, and has responded with increased patrols by drunk driving task forces and DUI checkpoints. Social responsibility is promoted by companies like Uber that offer free or discounted rides on that night.
So why does this particular night present so many dangers? Below are a few theories.
— Like homing pigeons, everyone heads back for the holidays. Thanksgiving is a day spent mostly with the extended family, but the night preceding it is the optimum time to catch up with old friends at your favorite watering hole.
— Almost everyone is off for Thanksgiving, which makes the night before a good time to cut loose and drink a few at the bar or at friends’ houses. That’s okay, as long as nobody is driving.
— Who wants to cook the night before the big feast? Lots of folks head out for a restaurant meal where they down a few cocktails.
— The next day is a laid-back day to recover from the night before. Eat some comfort foods, share laughs with friends and family or relax and watch the football games.
If you wind up hurt in a Black Wednesday accident with a drunk driver, make sure you are aware of all of your options to seek compensation.
Source: Drink Philly, “4 Reasons Why Thanksgiving Eve is Biggest Drinking Night of the Year,” accessed Nov. 11, 2016
