The night before Thanksgiving is known by some as “Black Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving.” And rightly so, it’s one of the most favored drinking nights of the year across the country. A popular time for imbibing is when most college students are home to celebrate with family and very few people have to work the next day. Thanksgiving weekend is also the most traveled holiday period of the year, and DUI arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend.
To ensure you enjoy your Black Wednesday festivities safe and responsibly, plan ahead if you plan to drink. Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind before you head out for the night.
- Let someone else get you there, and home. Call a cab or rideshare company, or jump on transit. Let someone else take the wheel so you can take a seat and get home safely.
- Designate a driver. Make sure you have a sober friend if driving is really necessary. Driving drunk is a dangerous and costly way to start your Thanksgiving holiday.
- Park it. If you’ve had too much, leave your car parked overnight and sleep it off at a friend’s house – just like you’re back in high school. Pre-paid parking options let you sober up, and your car will still be there in the morning.
- Walk safe, with a buddy. The more you drink, the harder you fall. Be sure you’re sober enough to get around our busy streets before you start walking. If you’ve had too much to head out on foot, find a friend that hasn’t been drinking to help you home.
And here are a few more helpful tips to get you through Thanksgiving Day – the day after Black Wednesday:
- Bring something to the table other than your sunglasses and Advil
- Hydrate. And hydrate some more.
- Eat turkey. And don’t forget Aunt Martha’s green bean casserole.
- Watch football
- Take a nap
- Once the tryptophan has worn off, help clean up!
- Most importantly, be safe and grateful
Learn more about Seattle’s vision for safer streets at www.seattle.gov/visionzero.