As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, LegalEASE wants to take a moment to wish you joy and happiness.  We also want to remind you to celebrate responsibly and be mindful of the potential legal consequences associated with drinking and driving.

Do you know what the biggest day for drinking in the United States is statistically?  New Year’s Eve? St. Patrick’s Day?  Nope!

“Blackout Wednesday” (also known as ‘Drinksgiving’) has become one of the busiest nights for the restaurant and bar industry.  Drinksgiving is a non-official holiday celebrated the night before Thanksgiving in the United States.  The term “Drinksgiving is a relatively new one, first appearing in print in 2007.  However, the practice of celebrating Thanksgiving Eve with drinks has been around for much longer.  In the past, this was often referred to as "Blackout Wednesday," due to the tendency of revelers to overindulge in alcohol.  

In recent years, there has been a push to rebrand Thanksgiving Eve as Drinksgiving, to promote responsible drinking and to avoid the negative connotations of "Blackout Wednesday."  Drinksgiving is a time for people to relax and have fun before the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving weekend. It is also a chance for people to connect with friends and family that they may not see very often.

Some police departments are aware of the phenomenon and are staffing extra units to focus on identifying potential DWIs. According to data from the Department of Public Safety, 47 people are tagged for drunken driving on a typical Wednesday - but on Drinksgiving, that number jumps to 74.

Don't be a target, especially not right before a holiday dedicated to celebrating what you are supposed to be thankful for.  As you enjoy the festivities, please keep the following tips in mind to ensure a safe and happy holiday season:

1. Do Not Drink and Drive - If you are going somewhere that is not within walking distance of your residence, use designated drivers or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.

2. Drink Responsibly - your level of intoxication can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as gender, food intake, medications, hydration level, and even what drinks you mix with alcohol.

3. Drive defensively & always wear your seatbelt - The festivities encourage a very busy traffic period, often bringing people from out of town who are unfamiliar with the area.

We at LegalEASE want to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend and encourage everyone to plan before leaving home. However, if circumstances lead you or someone you know to face DWI charges, remember that LegalEASE is here to provide expert legal assistance 24/7.

Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday season filled with warmth and laughter.