Surely you know of Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving and the single biggest shopping day of the year. But we here at Todd Copeland & Associates want to make sure you’re also aware of the day police, drunk driving awareness advocates and personal injury attorneys call “Blackout Wednesday.”
The name Blackout Wednesday refers to the evening before Thanksgiving Day, which traditionally has been the biggest bar night of the year. Most all employees have Thanksgiving Thursday off work, so they know they’ll be able to sleep in a bit before heading to meet the family and chow down on the best hangover meal possible. This gives them the mental okay to let loose on the holiday’s eve. Plus, many college students and relocated adults return to their hometowns to be with family on Thursday. Often, they reserve Wednesday for reconnecting and sharing a few drink with old friends.
All of this adds up to a big night for bars and night clubs nationwide and marks the start of the most dangerous period of the year for drunk driving. In 2011, the most recent year for which data is available, 931 Americans were killed in DUI-related automobile crashes between Blackout Wednesday and New Year’s Day.
Keep your family safe this holiday season by being extra wary of potentially drunken drivers on the roadways. Skip the bars and opt for celebrating at home instead. Of course, never drink and drive on Blackout Wednesday or any other day of the year. If you’ll celebrate with a night out on the town, be sure to have a non-drinking designated driver in your group or arrange for a taxi to take you home.
Hopefully, your Thanksgiving will be a safe and happy one and you won’t need our services. However, if you or your loved ones are injured in an accident caused by an inebriated or reckless driver, get medical treatment immediately. Then, call Orlando’s Todd E. Copeland & Associates at 407-999-8995 to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney.
