Indianapolis, IN – Drivers across Indiana are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as early Thanksgiving travel and heavy bar traffic combine with rising binge-drinking trends along major corridors including I-65, I-70, and I-69.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—widely known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—is now one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year nationwide. In 2022, liquor orders rose 156% compared to the previous Wednesday, while beer sales increased 85% and cocktails grew 69%. Health experts say holiday stress, the shortened workweek and the tradition of meeting up with friends drive widespread alcohol consumption.
National crash 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 over the Thanksgiving travel period.
Indiana has long been recognized as a hotspot for Blackout Wednesday activity. According to local reporting, Indianapolis police routinely add extra patrols—especially in entertainment districts—because returning college students and pre-holiday bar crowds make it one of the busiest nights of the year for alcohol-related incidents. In past years, officers reported that the night can rival or exceed New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day in DUI enforcement.
This year, Indiana State Police and local departments in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend and Bloomington are increasing DUI patrols. Troopers say I-65, I-70, I-69, and nightlife hubs like Broad Ripple, downtown Indy, Mass Ave and college-area districts often see higher impairment-related risks as holiday traffic builds.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, plan sober transportation and report suspected impaired drivers immediately.
