Milwaukee, WI – Drivers across Wisconsin are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as one of the nation’s busiest drinking nights merges with early Thanksgiving travel along major routes including I-94, I-41, and I-43.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—widely known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of America’s biggest alcohol-consumption events. In 2022, liquor orders surged 156% over the previous Wednesday, while beer sales rose 85% and cocktail orders climbed 69%. Public-health experts say short workweeks, holiday stress and large social gatherings contribute to widespread binge drinking.
National traffic-safety 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 travel period.
Wisconsin State Patrol, along with police in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine and Eau Claire, are adding extra DUI patrols Wednesday night. Troopers say I-94, I-41, I-43, and nightlife hubs such as Milwaukee’s Water Street, Third Ward and Brady Street; Madison’s State Street; and popular college districts statewide often see elevated impairment-related incidents as students return home and bars fill before the holiday.
National trends mirror these concerns. Cities like Indianapolis and Minneapolis report that Blackout Wednesday can surpass New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day for DUI arrests. Officials say Wisconsin faces similar risks due to strong nightlife turnout, college-driven bar traffic and heavy interstate travel.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober transportation and report suspected impaired driving immediately.
