Hartford, CT – Drivers across Connecticut are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as holiday travel, packed bar districts and rising binge-drinking trends pose heightened risks along major routes including I-95, I-91, and I-84.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—known nationally as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. In 2022, liquor orders jumped 156% from the prior Wednesday, with beer sales up 85% and cocktail orders up 69%. Public-health experts say holiday stress, long weekends and pre-Thanksgiving social gatherings fuel an annual spike in 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.
Connecticut State Police and departments in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford and Waterbury are deploying extra DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-95, I-91, I-84, and major nightlife areas—Downtown Hartford, New Haven’s bar district and popular college hubs—often see increased impairment-related crashes as students return home and pre-holiday crowds grow.
Other states report similar trends. Cities such as Indianapolis and Minneapolis have found Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials warn the same risk profile applies in Connecticut, where heavy through-traffic and dense urban corridors can compound nighttime hazards.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober rides and report suspected impaired drivers immediately.
