Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest — and riskiest — travel periods of the year. Not only are millions of Ohioans on the road, but it’s also the start of the holiday DUI season. In fact, the night before Thanksgiving has earned names like “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” due to a major uptick in alcohol-related incidents. With extra patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and statewide crackdowns, it’s critical to plan ahead and avoid even the chance of a DUI or OVI charge.
Why Thanksgiving Weekend Sees So Many DUI Arrests
Thanksgiving isn’t just a time for turkey and football—it also marks the beginning of a seasonal spike in drunk driving incidents. According to Ohio law enforcement and national studies, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving rivals New Year’s Eve for alcohol consumption, especially among younger adults heading home to reconnect with friends.
In previous years, the Ohio Department of Transportation estimated over 2 million Ohioans would travel 50+ miles during Thanksgiving weekend. With more people on the road and more drinking involved, the number of DUI-related crashes and arrests tends to surge—prompting increased checkpoints and aggressive DUI enforcement statewide.
A lot of people will be hitting the road in the next few days for family Thanksgiving celebrations, which means the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Kentucky State Police, and other law enforcement agencies will be watching the state’s roads and highways for DUIs and seatbelt violations.
Holidays tend to mean more traffic — and more people driving under the influence as they make their way home from parties and other festivities.
What to Do If You’re Pulled Over This Holiday Weekend
Even if you’re sober, increased patrols mean a higher chance of being stopped. Here’s what to do:
- Remain calm and polite.
- Provide your license, registration, and insurance when asked.
- Do not admit to drinking—even casually.
- You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests.
- Be aware that refusing a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) can lead to an automatic license suspension under Ohio law.
If you are arrested, contact a DUI lawyer immediately before making any statements or agreeing to a plea. Legal advice at this stage can help protect your record and minimize long-term consequences.
Arrested or facing a DUI over Thanksgiving? Call Cincinnati OVI defense attorney
If you are pulled over by any of the extra patrols out this holiday weekend, call Cincinnati Criminal Attorney Bradley J. Groene at (513) 338-1890 to talk about your ticket and possible options for your defense.
