How Can Drivers Avoid Blackout Wednesday?

November 19, 2021

drivers DUI

For most of us, Thanksgiving Eve is a time of great anticipation for spending the holidays with family and friends. Unfortunately, there are those who take to drinking on the night before Thanksgiving and are even encouraged to do so. The phrase Blackout Wednesday earned its name from people passing out from heavy drinking on the night or day before Thanksgiving. Everyone is entitled to enjoy the holiday; however, binge drinking events such as Blackout Wednesday not only are risky to those who partake in the activity, but also pose a risk to the safety and health of others.

Motorists must remember that there are severe penalties for drunk driving. It is hoped that drivers act responsibly and avoid a driving under the influence (DUI) charge over the Thanksgiving holiday.

What Is Blackout Wednesday?

The phrase Blackout Wednesday is also associated with the monikers Drinksgiving and Black Wednesday and is known as the holiday season’s first drinking event.  The consumption of alcohol is on par with New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day in the amount of alcohol people end up consuming. The nickname Blackout Wednesday sadly promotes that this risky behavior is normal and is revealed among many groups of people, from college students to business professionals.

Among the dynamics that contribute to Black Wednesday are the following:

  • A brief workweek in which people have a long weekend and feel the urge to celebrate.
  • Legal drinking age college students who have returned home and go out with their old friends.
  • People who want to take the edge off awkward or uncomfortable family gatherings the next day.

Staying Safe on Thanksgiving Eve

If you decide that you are going to go out with your friends on the day before Thanksgiving, keep in mind the following measures to stay safe:

  • Enact a plan prior to going out with your friends and determine how much you want to drink, stay out, and how you arrive home. Your safety is paramount, if you find yourself in a situation in which you no longer wish to partake, utilize your plan.
  • If you have had issues with alcohol in the past, consider staying home or partnering up with a friend who will hold you accountable. The two of you can craft a plan that details how you will get home safely, and you can check in on each other as the night goes on.
  • If you do decide to drink, pace yourself. Consider drinking non-alcoholic drinks between your alcoholic beverages and limit your drinks to one an hour.
  • Finally, you always choose an alternative to going out with your friends and drinking. You can go for a walk, listen to music, or watch a movie instead.

Do Not Drink and Drive

Whatever you decide to do on Thanksgiving Eve, do not drink and drive. Getting a DUI charge will only ruin the holiday festivities for you and your family; also, the chances of you getting in a severe car accident drastically increase. With the list of options available to you such as staying home and enjoying time with your family, to hailing a cab or using a ridesharing service, there is no reason that you should ever get behind the wheel in an inebriated state. State DUI laws can be severe and confusing, and you do not need to risk the chance of obtaining such a charge on your driving record.

West Chester DUI Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Help You Navigate Your DUI Charge

Trying to make sense of the steps you should take after being charged with DUI can be not only confusing, but also stressful. The West Chester DUI defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes can help you understand the chances and formulate a game plan to mitigate the charges. Our skilled legal team can gather all your options and advise you how to proceed. We will fight to ensure that your rights are protected. Call us today at 610-431-7900 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve all communities of Chester County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County.

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