By Avery Lash
“Blackout Wednesday” refers to the night before Thanksgiving, a widely recognized occasion when many people, especially college students, return home for break and go out drinking with friends. It has become known for heavy alcohol consumption and, as a result, a significant rise in drunk driving incidents. As college students, it’s important not only to understand the risks associated with this night, but also to know how to make safe choices if you plan to go out.
According to “Michigan Traffic Crash Facts”, of the 1,012 fatal crashes that occurred in Michigan, 276 (27.3%) were alcohol-involved, with at least one drinking operator, bicyclist, or Pedestrian. This information highlights a concerning reality: many individuals still choose to drive under the influence, despite the serious dangers and high likelihood of accidents.
If you plan to go out on Blackout Wednesday, there are several safe and responsible options to get home. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer reliable transportation to and from your destination. Though prices may increase during busy times, these services remain accessible and convenient for most people. If you’d rather avoid the cost, consider calling a sober friend for a ride or arranging for someone to drop you off and pick you up. If you’re going out with a group, designating one person to stay sober ensures that everyone has a safe ride home.
Captain Tony Myers, Officer for GRCC police, left students with very similar advice: “ To me, that students should ‘know your limits’, “consider getting an Uber”, and, if possible to “Have a designated driver”.
What Captain Myers reminded me of—and what should stay at the front of everyone’s mind—is that “there are a lot of families on the road, consider that when you make choices, be aware, be smart.”
The safety of everyone on the road is at risk when you choose to drive while intoxicated; don’t make a selfish decision.
It’s important to remember that getting behind the wheel after drinking can lead to serious legal and personal consequences. According to Michigan State Police, it is a crime for drivers aged 21 and older to have a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, and for drivers under 21 to have a BAC of 0.02 or higher. Michigan also enforces a “high BAC” law, which carries enhanced penalties for anyone caught driving with a BAC of 0.17 or above. Additionally, a driver can be arrested at any BAC level if they show signs of impairment while operating a vehicle.
According to the Michigan State Police, if this is your first penalty and you have a BAC ( Blood Alcohol Content) of .17 or lower, your consequence will be:
- Up to $500 fine
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Up to 180 days of license suspension
- 6 points on a driver’s license
If this is not your first offense and your BAC is above .17, this will result in:
- Up to $700 fine
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Up to one year license suspension
- 6 points on a driver’s license
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program
- Ignition interlock use and compliance after 45 45-day license suspension is required to receive a restricted driver’s license. Convicted drunk drivers have limited driving privileges, are prohibited from operating a vehicle without an approved and properly installed ignition interlock device, and are responsible for all installation and upkeep costs for the device.
So, before choosing your way home, remember that there are severe consequences if you choose to get in a car intoxicated. This decision not only impacts you, but everyone else on the road.
Taking a few simple steps to plan ahead can protect you and others on the road, allowing you to enjoy the night responsibly and safely.
