Studies Show Drastic Increase in Binge Drinking During Holidays

Holiday Drinking Trends Have Deadly Consequences

Studies show a dramatic increase in alcohol-related highway deaths between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Thanksgiving holiday saw more than 800 alcohol-impaired fatal crashes from 2013 to 2017.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving often termed “Blackout Wednesday” has quickly become one of the deadliest days on American roadways because of the significant increase in the number of people on the road and the increased likelihood for excessive drinking.

NHTSA has also released the following statistics related to their Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign:

  • During the 2017 Thanksgiving holiday period, more than one in three fatal traffic collisions involved a drunk driver.

  • In December 2017, 885 people were killed in crashes that involved drunk drivers.

  • There were more drunk driving related fatalities during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2017 than during any other holiday periods that year.

Learn more about NHTSA’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign and their Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign focused on drunk driving enforcement.

The statistics are devastating. Impaired drivers make our roads unsafe to travel.  If you or a loved one has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, there are options for treatment.  This holiday season make the right choice.  Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.  If you are in recovery for alcohol addiction, join the fight to #BoycottBlackoutWednesday and enjoy a holiday season filled with friends and family.