‘Drinksgiving’ stats show drivers are getting the message about getting hammered on Thanksgiving Eve

Some call it “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” — Thanksgiving Eve, reputed to be a night of overindulging in alcohol with friends before the next day’s overindulging in the traditional turkey feast with family.

While there’s no denying alcohol consumption typically increases among many during holiday time, are imbibers getting on board with the long-heralded message that drinking and driving is a bad idea — and either not going out or finding a safer way to get home?

One may venture to say “yes” — at least when it comes to Thanksgiving Eve in Oakland County, based on 2022 law enforcement statistics.

For the 15 communities under the jurisdiction of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, on Thanksgiving Eve last year just two arrests were made for impaired driving. It was the same story in Troy, while Bloomfield Township police made just one such arrest on that date. In Royal Oak and Novi, police made zero arrests for impaired driving on Thanksgiving Eve 2022.

Michigan State Police impaired driving arrest numbers in Oakland County on Thanksgiving Eve last year weren’t available by publication time, but statistics show just one alcohol-related fatal crash in Oakland County during the entire four-day Thanksgiving Day 2022 holiday period. In that incident, a 35-year-old driver was killed; it wasn’t determined if he’d been wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Of course, law enforcement in Oakland County — and statewide — is not letting up on its efforts to keep impaired drivers off the roadways, ramping up police presence beginning Thanksgiving Eve and continuing throughout the four-day holiday period, ending Sunday night. There’s also the “Tie One On For Safety” campaign that kicked off recently and runs through Jan. 1, promoted by police agencies, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Liquor Control Commission. which urges people to put a red ribbon on their car and have a designated, sober driver when out drinking,

“We strongly encourage people to be smart, and if they are going to consume alcohol or marijuana, to make sure someone else drives,” said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard. “We will be out in force doing everything we can to keep the roads safe as people travel to see friends and family. Let’s not make a wonderful holiday an annual reminder of a tragedy.”

Added MSP Lt. Mike Shaw Shaw: “There is no reason to ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We know the holidays are a time that people get together with friends and loved ones. If you decide to drink or use marijuana, have a plan that includes how you are going to get home. Be it a designated driver, public transportation or ride share services, there are just way too many options then choosing to get behind the wheel. We want everyone to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.”