CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — State health officials are urging families to talk about alcohol use and make safety plans ahead of what has become one of the most dangerous drinking nights of the year – the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Substance Use Services said national traffic safety data show sharp increases in alcohol-related crashes, ER visits and impaired driving incidents during Thanksgiving week, beginning with what some call “Blackout Wednesday.”
“This night may seem like a harmless holiday tradition, but the reality is that excessive drinking contributes to more crashes, more injuries and more preventable tragedies,” Michelle Nienhius, manager of Prevention and Intervention Services for OSUS, said in a statement. “We want South Carolinians to enjoy reconnecting with friends and family, but we also want them to get home safely.”…