TRAVERSE CITY — The night before thanksgiving is known as one of the heaviest drinking days of the year-earning nicknames like “Drinksgiving” and “Blackout Wednesday.”
Across the country, alcohol sales jump, DUI arrests rise, and police increase patrols.
Beer makes up the bulk of Thanksgiving weekend sales coming in at 55% compared to 30% for wine and 15% for spirits according to Statista.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a 55% jump in alcohol-related crashes from Wednesday through Sunday, with more than 400 deaths every year.
Thanksgiving Eve can be dangerous, Michigan State Police Ashley Miller said law enforcement is prepared.
“We always step up our patrols during the holiday weekends and surrounding the holiday. So, we will have patrols out today and tomorrow and throughout the weekend monitoring speed,” said Miller. We make sure everyone’s following the speed limit, not driving impaired and wearing their seatbelt.”
That increased enforcement comes as winter weather makes drinking and driving even more dangerous.
“It might just be a time where people stay home and I think people are realizing that this is a pretty heavy storm system and they ultimately do want to be safe,” said Miller.
Angie Cummins visits Traverse City from downstate annually, while she enjoys her stay, she said people need to plan for safety.
“Always be aware of your surroundings, use the buddy system by always being out and about with somebody,” said Cummings. If you’re going to be driving into town, uber, stay at a hotel for a night. You know, it’s only $90 or something like that to rent a hotel room. Just be safe."
Bars are preparing for a surge as well. Staff at Brady’s said “Drinksgiving” is their busiest Wednesday of the year.
“We definitely get more people in the bar. Thanksgiving time and the day before it will be very busy tonight. So, we definitely have the stock extra stocked, double stocked up on everything.”
National surveys show 28% of adults binge drink on Thanksgiving Eve, the average American consumes 4.5 drinks on Thanksgiving Day, and DUI arrests rise 35% tonight alone.