Police urge people not to drink and drive

The eve of Thanksgiving is here and unfortunately, this is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for drivers.

Many call this day “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday” because of all the heavy drinking that happens with friends and family ahead of the actual Thanksgiving holiday.

According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, from 2013 to 2017, more than 800 people died nationwide in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, making it one of the deadliest holidays on our roads.

With this in mind, you’ve got to remember: if your blood alcohol concentration is .08 or higher, you are driving under the influence.

Eric Chambers, the Public Information Officer for Seaford Police said, “We see more accidents, more fatalities occur from drinking and driving…Besides being involved in an accident, getting arrested. In Delaware, your third time getting arrested for DUI no matter your prior convictions, the third offense is a felony which leads to higher fines and jail time.”

Remember that prescription, over the counter medications and drugs can also impair the ability for people to drive and combining any of these with alcohol will make you even more impaired.

It’s best to be safe and arrange for other plans to get home.