Burlington, VT – Drivers across Vermont are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as holiday travel, packed bar districts and binge-drinking trends converge on major routes including I-89 and US-7.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—known nationally as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of the busiest drinking nights of the year. In 2022, liquor orders surged 156% compared to the previous Wednesday, while beer sales jumped 85% and cocktail orders rose 69%. Public-health experts say the holiday’s mix of time off, stress, and large social gatherings drives a spike in binge drinking.
According to national traffic-safety data, the risk of encountering an impaired driver on Thanksgiving is 55% higher than on an average day. From 2017 to 2021, more than 830 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving travel period.
Vermont State Police and local departments in Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland and St. Albans are rolling out extra DUI patrols Wednesday night. Officials say I-89, US-7, and nightlife areas near college campuses historically see increased impairment-related crashes as students return home and crowds pack area bars.
Other states report similar patterns. In cities like Indianapolis and Minneapolis, Blackout Wednesday has in some years surpassed New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Law enforcement nationwide warns the same conditions—heavy bar traffic, college-age drinkers, and millions of holiday travelers—make the night particularly dangerous.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, plan safe rides home and report impaired driving immediately.
