Atlanta, GA – Drivers across Georgia are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year collides with early Thanksgiving travel and crowded nightlife corridors along I-75, I-85, and I-20.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—known nationally as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become a major alcohol-consumption event. In 2022, liquor orders surged 156% compared to the prior Wednesday, with beer sales up 85% and cocktail orders climbing 69%. Public-health experts say the short workweek, rising holiday stress and pre-feast gatherings contribute to a marked spike in binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows drivers are 55% more likely to encounter an impaired motorist on Thanksgiving compared to an average day. From 2017 to 2021, more than 830 people nationwide were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving travel window.
Georgia State Patrol, along with local police in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus and Athens, are increasing DUI patrols Wednesday night. Authorities say I-75, I-85, I-20, and nightlife hubs like Buckhead, Midtown, downtown Athens and Savannah’s River Street often see elevated impairment-related incidents as college students return home and bars fill ahead of the holiday.
Similar trends appear nationwide. Cities like Indianapolis and Minneapolis report that Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials warn the same conditions apply across Georgia, where high-volume interstates and major bar districts elevate nighttime risks for travelers.
Motorists are urged to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober transportation and report suspected impaired driving immediately.
