Billings, MT – Drivers across Montana are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year merges with early Thanksgiving travel along I-90, I-15, and US-93.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—nationally recognized as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of America’s largest alcohol-consumption nights. In 2022, liquor orders skyrocketed 156% over the previous Wednesday, while beer sales increased 85% and cocktail orders climbed 69%. Public-health experts say holiday stress, time off work and gatherings with friends drive widespread binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows motorists are 55% more likely to encounter an impaired driver on Thanksgiving compared to a typical day. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 830 people nationwide were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
The Montana Highway Patrol, along with departments in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls and Helena, are increasing DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-90, I-15, US-93, and nightlife hubs like Downtown Billings, Bozeman’s Main Street, Missoula’s bar district and college zones near MSU and UM often see elevated impairment-related incidents as returning students and pre-holiday bar crowds swell.
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 pattern Montana officials warn applies in rural and urban areas alike, especially where long-distance holiday driving and winter road conditions intersect.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, plan sober transportation and immediately report suspected impaired drivers.
