Jackson, MS – Drivers across Mississippi 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 along major corridors including I-55, I-20, and US-49.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—nationally known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of America’s biggest alcohol-consumption nights. In 2022, liquor orders jumped 156% compared to the previous Wednesday, while beer sales climbed 85% and cocktail orders rose 69%. Public-health experts say holiday stress, long weekends and social gatherings contribute to a marked surge in binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows motorists are 55% more likely to encounter an impaired driver on Thanksgiving compared to an average day. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 830 people nationwide were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving travel period.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol, along with police in Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Southaven and Meridian, are increasing DUI enforcement Wednesday night. Troopers say I-55, I-20, US-49, and nightlife corridors like Fondren in Jackson, the Gulf Coast casino district, downtown Hattiesburg and Oxford’s Square often see elevated impairment-related incidents as college students return home and crowds gather before the holiday.
Nationwide trends show similar risks. Cities such as Indianapolis and Minneapolis have reported that Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials warn Mississippi faces similar concerns due to heavy interstate travel and strong college nightlife activity.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, plan sober transportation and report suspected impaired motorists immediately.
