CTDOT Press Releases
11/22/2022
The Connecticut Department of Transportation Reminds Residents: Drinking and Driving Should Never Be on the Menu
This Thanksgiving, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Highway Safety Office is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help deliver lifesaving messages about the dangers of drunk driving during the most traveled holiday of the year. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, whether during a holiday or any other day.
Drunk driving-related crashes rise during the Thanksgiving holiday season, beginning with what is commonly known as “Blackout Wednesday,” the day before Thanksgiving. This day encourages the heavy consumption of alcohol. According to NHTSA, from 2016-2020, over 800 people died in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“We know the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a popular time for people to head out to bars. People will visit with friends and loved ones or sit in solitude to kick off the holiday season,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. “Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving Eve celebration has become a dangerous night on the roads. Driving under the influence is deadly and illegal; no one should ever take that risk. We need people to stay safe and always drive sober.”
According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 involving an alcohol-impaired driver – a 14 percent increase from 2019.
“As you head out to festivities during this Thanksgiving holiday, remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving,” added Giulietti.
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