Dallas, TX – Drivers across Texas are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as one of the nation’s heaviest drinking nights overlaps with early Thanksgiving travel along major corridors including I-35, I-45, and I-10.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—commonly known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has evolved into one of America’s top alcohol-consumption nights. In 2022, liquor orders surged 156% over the previous Wednesday, while beer sales climbed 85% and cocktail orders rose 69%. Public-health experts point to holiday stress, long weekends and social gatherings as leading contributors to widespread binge drinking.
National traffic 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 holiday period.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), along with police departments in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth and El Paso, are increasing DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-35, I-45, I-10, and nightlife centers—including Austin’s Sixth Street, Dallas’ Deep Ellum, Houston’s Midtown, San Antonio’s River Walk and college districts statewide—routinely experience elevated impairment-related incidents as bar crowds swell and students return home.
National trends mirror these risks. Cities like Indianapolis and Minneapolis report that Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Texas officials warn the state faces similar conditions, especially with high interstate travel volume and booming nightlife corridors across its major metros.
Drivers are strongly urged to avoid late-night travel, plan sober transportation and report suspected impaired drivers immediately.
