LITTLE CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Today marks Thanksgiving Eve, also known as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving.”
It comes days after a single vehicle OWI crash in Appleton caused multiple other crashes, including fatalities.
Fox Valley Metro Police say they had five OWIs over the weekend.
“As we saw from Sunday, there’s going to be families with open seats at the table. And for what?” said Lieutenant Mark Wery.
Wery says some of the arrests were made as the result of crashes on Interstate 41. Two people died and nine others were injured.
“Some of them were under the influence of alcohol, and some were under the influence of restricted or controlled substances like marijuana.”
According to Money Geek, a financial planning company, the day before Thanksgiving is the deadliest day to drive. It averages 114 crash deaths per year.
“Blackout Wednesday is kind of considered a holiday among people who use alcohol as a way to prepare for the holiday,” said Tina Marie Baeten, clinical supervisor at the Jackie Nitschke Center.
In some parts of the U.S., Blackout Wednesday is considered a bigger drinking holiday than New Years Eve or St. Patrick’s Day.
“Ultimately, we start with citations, first offense, before we move to those criminal court cases, but those are certainly expensive,” said Wery.
Wery adds if you want to take part in Blackout Wednesday, or any type of drinking activities, there are many options for a safe way home.
“People have cell phones in their pockets. They can call a friend, a family member, call a cab, an Uber,” said Wery. “People aren’t doing this and still choosing to hop behind the wheel. It’s just — I’m at a loss of words for how poor of a choice that is.”
The Tavern League of Wisconsin has a program that offers free safe rides home. To locate your nearest ride provider, click here.
