Richmond, VA – Drivers across Virginia are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as early holiday travel and heavy bar traffic combine with heightened binge-drinking trends to create dangerous conditions on major corridors including I-95, I-64 and I-81.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—known nationally as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of America’s most alcohol-heavy nights. In 2022, liquor orders surged 156% compared to the previous Wednesday, with beer sales up 85% and cocktail orders rising 69%. Public-health experts say the short workweek, holiday stress and pre-Thanksgiving gatherings drive a significant spike in binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows the risk of encountering an impaired driver on Thanksgiving is 55% higher than on a typical day. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 830 people nationwide were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
Virginia State Police and departments in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Arlington, Alexandria and Roanoke are increasing DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-95, I-64, I-81, and busy nightlife corridors—Shockoe Bottom, Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Clarendon, and college areas around UVA, VCU and Virginia Tech—frequently see elevated impairment-related incidents as students return home and bars fill before the holiday.
Similar trends have been seen nationwide. Cities such as Indianapolis and Minneapolis report that Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials say the same conditions apply across Virginia, especially with dense interstate travel and expanding bar districts.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, plan sober rides and report suspected impaired driving immediately.
