New York, NY – Drivers across New York are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as holiday travel, packed bar districts and rising binge-drinking trends create dangerous conditions along major corridors including I-87, I-95, and the BQE (I-278).
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—known nationally as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of the most alcohol-heavy nights of the year. Liquor orders jumped 156% in 2022 compared to the prior Wednesday, while beer sales rose 85% and cocktail orders climbed 69%. Public-health experts say holiday stress, extended breaks and large social gatherings drive a consistent spike in binge drinking nationwide.
According to national traffic-safety data, the risk of encountering an impaired driver on Thanksgiving is 55% higher than on a typical day. From 2017 to 2021, more than 830 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
New York State Police, the NYPD, and departments in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany are launching expanded DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-87, I-95, I-278, NY-17, and dense nightlife districts—including Manhattan, Brooklyn, downtown Buffalo and college areas statewide—typically experience elevated impairment-related crashes as students return home and crowds pack local bars.
Other states report similar patterns. Cities like Indianapolis and Minneapolis say Blackout Wednesday has at times surpassed New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials warn that the same risks apply to New York, where millions begin traveling before dawn on Thanksgiving morning.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, plan sober rides and report suspected impaired driving immediately.
