Providence, RI – Drivers across Rhode Island are being urged to use extra caution this Blackout Wednesday, as heavy bar traffic, returning college students and early Thanksgiving travel create hazardous conditions on major routes including I-95 and RI-146.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—nationally known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of the most alcohol-heavy nights of the year. In 2022, liquor orders increased 156% compared to the previous Wednesday, while beer sales rose 85% and cocktail orders grew 69%. Public-health experts attribute the spike to holiday stress, long weekends and large gatherings with friends.
National traffic-safety data shows the risk of encountering an impaired driver on Thanksgiving is 55% higher than on an average day. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 830 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
Rhode Island State Police, along with departments in Providence, Pawtucket, Warwick and Cranston, are boosting DUI enforcement Wednesday night. Authorities say I-95, RI-146, and nightlife hubs like Federal Hill, Thayer Street and downtown Providence often see higher rates of impairment-related incidents as bar crowds swell and college students return home.
Other states have reported similar patterns. In cities such as Indianapolis and Minneapolis, Blackout Wednesday has become one of the busiest drinking nights of the year, at times surpassing New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials warn the same risks apply in Rhode Island, where dense traffic and short-distance travel can create unexpected danger for drivers.
Motorists are urged to avoid late-night road travel, plan sober transportation and report suspected impaired driving right away.
