Phoenix, AZ – Drivers across Arizona are being urged to use extra caution this Blackout Wednesday, as one of the nation’s busiest drinking nights collides with early Thanksgiving travel along major routes including I-10, I-17, and US-60.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—commonly known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of America’s highest alcohol-consumption nights. In 2022, liquor orders surged 156% compared to the prior Wednesday, while beer sales jumped 85% and cocktail orders rose 69%. Health experts say holiday stress, short workweeks and pre-Thanksgiving gatherings contribute to widespread binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows motorists are 55% more likely to encounter an impaired driver on Thanksgiving 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.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety, along with police in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Flagstaff, are expanding DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-10, I-17, US-60, and nightlife hubs such as Downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, Tempe’s Mill Avenue, Tucson’s Fourth Avenue and college districts around ASU and UA often see elevated impairment-related incidents as bar crowds swell and students return home.
National trends show similar concerns. Cities like Indianapolis and Minneapolis report that Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests—an emerging risk Arizona law enforcement says applies statewide, especially with heavy interstate travel and thriving nightlife zones.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober transportation and immediately report suspected impaired drivers.
