It's Blackout Wednesday: The Busiest Bar Night Of The Year
DETROIT (WWJ) – It's the day before Thanksgiving, also known as "Blackout Wednesday" — the busiest bar night of the year.
In some parts of the metro area, bars report more business on Blackout Wednesday than on St. Patrick's Day or New Year's Eve.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Michigan travel home and meet up with long-lost friend and family they haven't seen all year. With no school or work the next day, some people really like to let loose.
[Looking for a place to celebrate? Try one of these: Best Bars For Black Wednesday In Detroit]
But with a greater number of people out on the town, comes a greater possibility of people who may get behind the wheel after having one too many. State police encourage everyone to enjoy themselves and if that include drinking, it shouldn't include driving.
"What I recommend everyone to do is if you're going to drink, make sure you designate a driver, somebody who is not going to be drinking, and then that way everyone gets home safely," said State Police Captain Monica Yesh.
Tony Piraino, a partner of the Firebird Tavern in Greektown, echoed that statement. He said on a night like this, drunk driving doesn't happen by accident.
"People know what they're doing, it's not a normal Wednesday where you might have a cocktail or two with some friends and go home. You are probably having a few more cocktails," he said. "Just plan accordingly. Use a DD or get an Uber or a cab."
One statistic from last year found that police arrested 20 percent more people for drunk driving on Blackout Wednesday than New Year's Eve.
Yesh said officers have stepped up their patrols and will be on the lookout for drunk drivers Wednesday night and throughout the holiday break.