Omaha, NE – Drivers across Nebraska are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as one of the year’s busiest drinking nights intersects with early holiday travel along major routes including I-80, I-680, and US-75.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—nationally known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of America’s heaviest alcohol-consumption nights. In 2022, liquor orders rose 156% over the previous Wednesday, with beer sales climbing 85% and cocktail orders increasing 69%. Public-health experts say holiday stress, short workweeks and large pre-Thanksgiving gatherings contribute to widespread binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows drivers are 55% more likely to encounter an impaired motorist 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 window.
The Nebraska State Patrol, along with police in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney and Bellevue, are increasing DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-80, I-680, US-75, and nightlife districts such as Omaha’s Old Market, Lincoln’s Haymarket and college areas near UNL and UNO often see elevated impairment-related incidents as bar crowds swell and students return home.
National reports show similar patterns. Cities such as Indianapolis and Minneapolis note that Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Nebraska officials warn the state faces similar risks due to strong college nightlife turnout and high interstate travel volumes.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober transportation and immediately report suspected impaired drivers.
