While drunk driving is an issue throughout the holiday season, there is one day in particular when drunk driving incidents and fatal accidents caused by heavy drinking increase dramatically. That day is the day before Thanksgiving, which has been given the name Blackout Wednesday since it is known to be one of the biggest drinking days of the year.
If you plan on consuming alcohol the day before Thanksgiving, you’ll want to learn how to stay safe this Blackout Wednesday. While taking safety precautions can reduce the likelihood of a drunk driver crash, there’s always a chance that you’ll make a bad decision and cause a crash. If that happens, you’ll want to consult with a Los Angeles DUI attorney.

Blackout Wednesday Safety Tips
With holiday parties and family gatherings occurring on the day before Thanksgiving, it might be tempting to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. It’s important to remember that driving with a blood alcohol concentration that is over the legal limit can be extremely dangerous. In fact, driving with any alcohol in your system can lead to a collision.
Fortunately, there are many measures you can take to stay safe on Blackout Wednesday. Taking the following safety precautions can help you avoid causing an accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries:
Don’t Drink
If you plan on driving to or from an event the day before Thanksgiving, it’s best to abstain from consuming alcohol. If you drive while intoxicated, you could cause a drunk driving accident, get arrested for impaired driving, and even face criminal charges.
Have a Designated Driver
Another measure you can take to stay safe on Blackout Wednesday is to have a designated driver. If you plan on going to a holiday gathering and consuming alcohol, bring a designated sober driver with you. Having a friend or family member who agrees not to drink any alcohol with you will ensure that you have a safe ride home.
Call a Taxi or Rideshare Driver
If you drink alcohol on Blackout Wednesday and don’t have a designated driver, getting a ride from a taxi or Uber driver can help you stay safe. Make sure you keep your phone charged and that you have the contact information for a local taxi service or a rideshare app on your phone.
Preparing your taxi or rideshare ride before you go out can ensure you follow through with your plan to get a ride and stay safe this Blackout Wednesday.
Don’t Succumb to Peer Pressure
Almost every college student and teenager gets lectured about the importance of not caving in to pressure from classmates and friends to drink and use drugs. As it turns out, not succumbing to peer pressure can also help you stay safe on Blackout Wednesday.
If you are among friends who are pressuring you to drink or if you’re in an environment where you feel compelled to drink, say “no thank you” and remove yourself from the situation. Remember, having even a single alcoholic beverage can make driving dangerous.
Saying “no” and abstaining from alcohol consumption can help you avoid a potentially life-changing accident.
Drive Safely
While not driving under the influence is the most important driving safety measure you can take on Blackout Wednesday, there are several other precautions you’ll want to take while driving on this day. Staying aware of other cars on the road, maintaining a safe speed, driving without distractions, and being aware of your surroundings at all times can help you stay safe.
Pull Over if You See an Impaired Driver
Keeping an eye out for drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol can also keep you safe while driving on Blackout Wednesday. Look for motorists who are swerving, speeding up abruptly, stopping short, exceeding the speed limit, or driving in a generally reckless manner.
If you see an intoxicated driver on the road, you’ll want to pull over at the nearest safe area. Once you’ve done so, contact your local law enforcement department and report the driver. Give the police the driver’s license plate number and any identifying features they can use to track down the vehicle.
What To Do if You’ve Been Pulled Over for Drunk Driving
If you’ve been pulled over with a blood alcohol level that’s over the legal limit, arrested for drunk driving, and brought up on DUI charges, you’ll need to hire an experienced attorney to defend you. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer can investigate your drunk driving crash and build a strong defense case on your behalf.
Here’s what a lawyer will do to help you avoid serious consequences:
- Search for holes in the prosecution’s evidence
- Find evidence that shows your rights were violated during the arrest
- Build a legal argument that challenges the police officer’s testimony and statements
- Negotiate a plea bargain to get your charges reduced
- Represent you in court and work hard to have your charges dropped or lessened
- Provide clear and effective guidance throughout your entire case
While the best way to avoid DUI charges is by not drinking and practicing safe driving on Blackout Wednesday, an attorney can help you if you’ve made a serious mistake. Reach out to a lawyer today to get the advice and advocacy you need to fight your charges and protect your future.
DUI Lawyers Offer Free Initial Consultations
Facing charges can be frightening, but a trusted criminal defense attorney can make getting strong legal representation extremely easy. Since most DUI lawyers offer free case evaluations, you’ll be able to find out if an attorney is the right fit for you without making a monetary commitment to the law firm.
It’s best to take measures to stay safe on Blackout Wednesday, but everyone makes mistakes. Don’t let your mistake cause you a lifetime of trouble and a criminal record. Instead, reach out to a DUI attorney from Los Angeles and get the representation you need to fight your charges.