Officials Urge Alcohol Safety Plans As ‘Blackout Wednesday’ Hits

With the holidays approaching, officials are asking people to be cautious with excessive drinking on "Thanksgiving Eve."

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities' Office of Substance Use Services is asking families to talk about alcohol use. They want people to make safety plans.

The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving has become one of the most dangerous drinking occasions of the year. State health officials issued the warning as national traffic safety data shows sharp increases in alcohol-related crashes, emergency room visits and impaired driving incidents during Thanksgiving week.

The night before Thanksgiving goes by another name. Some call it "Blackout Wednesday." It marks the start of a holiday period with higher risks. Why? Crowded bars mix with heavy travel. Police and first responders consider it one of the most dangerous nights of the year.

"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," said Michelle Nienhius, manager of Prevention and Intervention Services for OSUS, in a statement. "We want South Carolinians to enjoy reconnecting with friends and family, but we also want them to get home safely."

National data shows alcohol-involved fatal crashes spike the night before Thanksgiving. Drivers ages 21 to 24 face particular risk during this time. Hospitals see increases in alcohol-related incidents throughout the holiday weekend. Law enforcement does too. These include DUIs, falls, and injuries tied to binge drinking.

"For many young people, the night before Thanksgiving feels like an unofficial kickoff to the long weekend," Nienhius said. "But excessive drinking is deadly, even on holidays. Honest conversations and simple planning can turn a risky night into a safe one."

Open Conversation SC is the agency's prevention initiative. It encourages families to use the holiday as a chance to talk about alcohol use with teens and college students. Officials say setting expectations can reduce the risk of harm. So can arranging transportation and staying in touch.

The agency recommends choosing a sober driver. Use rideshare services. Step in when someone has had too much to drink. More information on statewide addiction services is available at daodas.sc.gov.