The Dangers of Drunk Driving on the Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and celebration. As people gather to enjoy delicious meals and connect with loved ones, it's also a time when roadways become significantly busier. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving holiday has a dark side when it comes to road safety: a sharp increase in drunk driving incidents. Many holiday gatherings involve alcohol, and some people make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. At Get Drivers Ed, we believe in raising awareness about the risks of drunk driving during the holiday season and encouraging everyone to make safer choices.

In this blog, we’ll delve into why Thanksgiving is a particularly dangerous time for drunk driving, the impact of alcohol-related crashes during the holiday, and how you can help keep yourself and others safe.

1. Why Thanksgiving is a High-Risk Time for Drunk Driving

Increased Holiday Travel

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), millions of Americans take to the roads to visit family and friends. With so many people traveling, the likelihood of accidents increases significantly. When alcohol consumption is added to the mix, the roads become even more dangerous.

Many Thanksgiving celebrations involve drinking alcohol, and as the night goes on, some people might make the poor decision to drive home while impaired. This makes Thanksgiving weekend a time when the risk of drunk driving crashes is especially high. At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of understanding the risks associated with driving under the influence, especially during high-traffic holidays like Thanksgiving.

The “Blackout Wednesday” Phenomenon

In addition to the Thanksgiving holiday itself, the night before Thanksgiving—often called Blackout Wednesday—has become notorious for heavy drinking. Many people use this night as an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, leading to packed bars and an increase in alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, this also means that there are more impaired drivers on the road, creating a higher risk of accidents and fatalities.

Understanding these patterns is crucial to staying safe. Being aware of the increased risk on nights like Blackout Wednesday can help drivers make better decisions about how to get home safely.

2. The Impact of Drunk Driving During Thanksgiving

Alarming Statistics

The statistics around drunk driving during Thanksgiving are alarming. According to the NHTSA, from 2015 to 2019, over 800 people died in alcohol-related crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period. That’s a staggering number, and it highlights just how dangerous the roads can be during this time.

Alcohol impairs critical driving skills such as reaction time, judgment, and coordination, making it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles and respond to unexpected situations on the road. When drivers are impaired, even familiar routes become more hazardous, increasing the likelihood of tragic outcomes.

At Get Drivers Ed, we believe that educating drivers about the real consequences of impaired driving is an essential part of preventing accidents. It’s important to remember that driving under the influence can have life-altering effects—not just for the driver but for everyone on the road.

The Human Cost of Drunk Driving

The impact of drunk driving extends far beyond statistics. Each life lost in a drunk driving crash is a family member, friend, or loved one. During the Thanksgiving holiday, when so many families are gathering to celebrate, the loss of a loved one due to a preventable accident is particularly heartbreaking.

It’s not just about fatalities—injuries from alcohol-related crashes can also leave survivors with long-term physical, emotional, and financial burdens. This is why it’s so important to spread awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and to encourage safer choices.

3. How to Stay Safe and Make Responsible Choices

Plan Ahead for a Safe Ride Home

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent drunk driving during the Thanksgiving holiday is to plan ahead. Before heading out to celebrate, think about how you’ll get home if you plan to drink. Options include:

Designating a sober driver: Make arrangements with a friend or family member who will stay sober and drive everyone home.
Using rideshare services: Apps like Uber and Lyft can be a convenient way to get home safely without having to drive.
Staying overnight: If you’re visiting friends or family for Thanksgiving, consider spending the night to avoid driving after drinking.

By planning ahead, you can enjoy your holiday celebrations without putting yourself or others at risk. At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of making responsible decisions to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday safely.

Be a Responsible Host

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, you can play a role in preventing drunk driving by encouraging your guests to make safe choices. Here are a few tips for being a responsible host:

Offer non-alcoholic beverages: Make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available for those who choose not to drink.
Stop serving alcohol early: Cut off alcohol service at least an hour before the party ends to give guests time to sober up.
Arrange transportation: Help guests arrange a safe ride home if they’ve had too much to drink.

Being a responsible host means looking out for the well-being of your guests and helping them avoid risky behavior. At Get Drivers Ed, we believe that everyone can contribute to a safer holiday season by taking these steps.

4. The Role of Education in Preventing Drunk Driving

Why Driver Education Matters

Education plays a key role in preventing drunk driving. Understanding the risks associated with alcohol consumption and driving can influence better decision-making. When drivers are aware of how even small amounts of alcohol can impair their abilities, they are more likely to take the necessary precautions.

At Get Drivers Ed, we provide comprehensive driver education that covers the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of staying sober behind the wheel. Our courses teach drivers to recognize impaired driving behavior and how to make safer choices, especially during high-risk times like the Thanksgiving holiday.

Encourage Others to Learn

One of the best ways to create safer roads is to spread awareness. Encourage your friends and family to learn about the dangers of drunk driving, especially during the holiday season. Sharing this information can help others make better decisions and avoid the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your driving knowledge or need a refresher, sign up for our courses at Get Drivers Ed. Our online courses are designed to help drivers of all ages stay informed and safe on the road.

Conclusion: Celebrate Responsibly and Drive Safe This Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday should be a time of joy and togetherness, not a time for tragedy on the roads. Drunk driving is a preventable danger that can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. By planning ahead, making responsible choices, and spreading awareness about the risks, we can all help make this Thanksgiving a safer time for everyone.

At Get Drivers Ed, we’re committed to promoting safe driving habits year-round. Sign up for our driver education courses today to learn more about safe driving practices and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel. This Thanksgiving, let’s all commit to driving sober and keeping our roads safe for everyone.