The night before Thanksgiving has become known by a new name, “Blackout Wednesday.” On this night, people all around America flood to their hometown bars to visit and drink with old friends before spending the next day with their families. Sadly, many of these people don’t make it to see their families the next day because of a drunk driver.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more drunk driving deaths occur over Thanksgiving weekend than on New Year’s Eve. In fact, more than 800 people were killed by drunk drivers over the Thanksgiving weekends between 2012 and 2016. In a continued effort to keep America’s roads safe, cities around the country are increasing their DUI enforcement this holiday season.
If you are planning to drink this Thanksgiving Eve, keep the following tips in mind to help you avoid a DUI:
1. Have friends over to your house
Instead of meeting your friends at the local bar, host a gathering in your own home. Not only will it keep you from driving anywhere, but you can invite your friends to sleep at your house too.
2. Leave your car at home
You can’t get a DUI, if you aren’t driving. For this reason, get a ride to the bars from a friend or a taxi service. It can be easy to underestimate how much you have had to drink and give in to the temptation to drive at the end of the night.
3. Plan a sober ride
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving Eve, plan which of your friends will be the sober driver for the evening. Consider asking your friends to donate money to a group gift, as a way to thank the person who volunteers to be the sober driver. It might also be beneficial to ask a family member to be a backup sober driver, just in case your friend decides to drink. You do not want your friend to feel pressured into driving after s(he) has been drinking.
Do not let a DUI ruin your holiday. Start planning for a safe Thanksgiving weekend today.