Cheyenne, WY – Drivers across Wyoming are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as one of the biggest drinking nights of the year overlaps with heavy Thanksgiving traffic along major corridors including I-80, I-25, and US-26.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—commonly known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of America’s highest alcohol-consumption nights. In 2022, liquor orders surged 156% compared to the prior Wednesday, with beer sales rising 85% and cocktail orders increasing 69%. Public-health experts say holiday stress, long weekends and pre-Thanksgiving gatherings significantly contribute to binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows motorists are 55% more likely to encounter an impaired driver on Thanksgiving 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.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol, along with police in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette and Rock Springs, are increasing DUI enforcement Wednesday night. Troopers say I-80, I-25, US-26, and popular nightlife areas—such as downtown Cheyenne, Laramie’s college district around UW, and bar hubs in Casper and Gillette—often see elevated impairment-related incidents as students return home and bar crowds grow.
National trends echo 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. Wyoming officials warn the state faces similar dangers, especially with long-distance rural travel, winter weather and heavy pre-holiday traffic.
Drivers are urged to avoid late-night travel, arrange sober transportation and immediately report suspected impaired drivers.
