Charlotte, NC – Drivers across North Carolina are being urged to use extreme caution this Blackout Wednesday, as early Thanksgiving travel, packed entertainment districts and heavy binge-drinking activity create dangerous conditions along major highways including I-40, I-85, and I-77.
According to Alcohol.org, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—widely known as Blackout Wednesday or “Drinksgiving”—has become one of the nation’s most alcohol-heavy nights. In 2022, liquor orders rose 156% compared to the previous Wednesday, while beer sales increased 85% and cocktail orders climbed 69%. Public-health experts cite holiday stress, short workweeks and pre-Thanksgiving gatherings as key drivers of binge drinking.
National traffic-safety data shows drivers face a 55% higher chance of encountering an impaired motorist on Thanksgiving compared to an average day. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 830 people nationwide were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the holiday travel period…