Thanksgiving Eve has many nicknames:
- Drinksgiving
- Whiskey Wednesday
- Big Wednesday
The most commonly used, however, is Blackout Wednesday. What all of these nicknames symbolize is an unofficial holiday for binge drinking that takes place on the night before Thanksgiving. People use this night to go out with friends, catch up with people from their hometowns while they are back for the holiday, and work up an appetite for the big meal the next day.
However, this night of heavy drinking also leads to a spike inDUI arrests and accidents. Let’s go over some tips for how to stay safe this year on Blackout Wednesday.
If You’re Drinking
You don’t want to start off the holiday season with a DUI arrest, or worse, causing an accident that leads to someone being hurt.
If you’re participating in the Blackout Wednesday festivities:
- Assign a Designated Driver: See if one of your friends is willing to be the designated driver on this night. This way, you know exactly how you’re getting home before the night even begins.
- Use Rideshare Apps: All it takes is a few taps on your phone screen to have an Uber or Lyft driver pick you up within minutes. Download these apps ahead of time and upload your payment information to make it quick and easy to call a ride when it’s time to go.
- Don’t Drive Yourself to the Bar: if you’re worried about leaving your car overnight, or you know you get tempted to drive home after a few drinks, eliminate the risk by getting a ride to the bar.
If You’re Driving
If you’re the designated sober driver for the evening, or just traveling for unrelated reasons, be mindful that there are still more impaired drivers out than on an average night.
Stay safe and:
- Avoid Distractions: If you’re driving in a busy area, it can be tempting to keep glancing out the window at all of the action. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road, though, so you can watch out for unexpected obstacles.
- Follow Speed Limits: Like distracted driving, speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents. Obey speed limits, or go under the limit if you’re experiencing inclement weather or difficulty driving.
- Know The Signs of A Drunk Driver: If you see another car swerving, abruptly braking or accelerating, or exhibiting other dangerous driving behaviors, keep a safe distance.
Chicago DUI Defense Attorneys
Even when trying to make safe decisions, people still make mistakes. At The Toney Law Firm, LLC, we understand this and want to help prevent your one-time mistake from becoming a criminal conviction. Call us today at (888) 473-4058 to discuss your case with our DUI defense team.