Charleston, WV – Drivers across West Virginia are being urged to use extra caution this Blackout Wednesday, as early holiday travel and heavy bar traffic create heightened risks along major corridors including I-64, I-77 and I-79.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—widely known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of the most alcohol-heavy nights of the year nationwide. Liquor orders jumped 156% in 2022 compared to the prior Wednesday, while beer sales surged 85% and cocktails rose 69%. Public-health experts say the holiday’s short workweek, seasonal stress and social gatherings contribute to a sizeable spike in binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows drivers face a 55% higher chance of encountering an impaired motorist on Thanksgiving compared to the average day. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 830 people nationwide were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving travel period.
West Virginia State Police, along with departments in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg and Wheeling, are increasing DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-64, I-77, I-79, and dense nightlife areas—particularly around college hubs like WVU and Marshall University—often see elevated impairment-related incidents as students return home and local bars fill ahead of the holiday.
Similar trends have been recorded nationwide. Cities such as Indianapolis and Minneapolis report Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials say that mix of heavy bar turnout and early Thanksgiving travel also applies across West Virginia’s interstate network.
Motorists are urged to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober rides and report suspected impaired driving immediately.
