Newark, NJ – Drivers across New Jersey are being urged to use extra caution this Blackout Wednesday, as packed bar districts, early holiday travel and rising binge-drinking patterns create hazardous conditions on major corridors including the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Garden State Parkway (GSP) and I-78.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—known nationally as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has grown into one of the busiest drinking nights of the year. In 2022, liquor orders spiked 156% over the previous Wednesday, while beer sales surged 85% and cocktails increased 69%. Health experts say holiday stress, long weekends and pre-Thanksgiving gatherings drive widespread binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows the risk of encountering an impaired driver on Thanksgiving is 55% higher than on an average day. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 830 people nationwide were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving travel period.
New Jersey State Police and local departments in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Trenton and Atlantic City are increasing DUI enforcement Wednesday night. Troopers say I-95, the Garden State Parkway, I-78, and nightlife hubs such as Hoboken, downtown Newark and Jersey City’s waterfront frequently see elevated impairment-related incidents as college students return home and crowds gather before the holiday.
Other states have reported similar patterns. Cities like Indianapolis and Minneapolis note that Blackout Wednesday occasionally surpasses New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests—an emerging trend officials warn applies to New Jersey as well, especially along heavily traveled interstate corridors.
Drivers are advised to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober transportation and report suspected impaired drivers immediately.
