What Michigan Drivers Should Know About the Deadliest Night of the Year
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“Blackout Wednesday.” “Drinksgiving.” Those nicknames describe the evening before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest bar nights of the year and one of the most dangerous for drivers. College students come home for the holiday, and others travel to see family across Michigan or out of state.
Meeting up with friends on Wednesday night is a great way to kick off the holiday, but driving after drinks can be deadly. Here is what drivers should know before heading out. If the worst happens, an experienced car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Case?SOBERING STATISTICS
The National Safety Council estimates hundreds of people may die in U.S. traffic crashes over a typical Thanksgiving holiday period, based on prior years.
According to NHTSA, 12,429 people died in crashes that involved at least one alcohol-impaired driver in 2023, about 30 percent of traffic fatalities that year. In 2024, NHTSA reported 11,904 alcohol-impaired-driving deaths, still about 30 percent of U.S. traffic fatalities.
Younger legal-age drivers are often overrepresented in alcohol-impaired fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve.
BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK (OR DRUGGED) DRIVING
Under Michigan law, it is a crime to drive with a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more if you are 21 or older, or .02 if you are under 21. You can also be charged if alcohol or drugs have visibly impaired your ability to drive, even below those numbers.
Marijuana is legal for adults in Michigan, but driving while impaired by marijuana or any other drug is illegal. A medical marijuana card does not excuse impaired driving.
Drivers with any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine can face the same type of drunk-driving penalties, even without other signs of impairment.
DRUNK DRIVING HAS WIDESPREAD CONSEQUENCES
A conviction costs more than a wrecked car. Consequences can include:
- Fines, legal fees and vehicle expenses
- At least six points on a driving record
- License suspension or revocation
- Jail time, including for some first offenses
- Higher auto insurance premiums, often for years
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR DRIVING DRUNK IN MICHIGAN?
Sentences are up to the court. Michigan’s guidelines for operating while intoxicated include:
First offense with BAC below .17:
- Up to a $500 fine
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Up to 180 days’ license suspension
- 6 points on the license
First offense with BAC of .17 or higher:
- Up to a $700 fine
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Up to one year of license suspension
- 6 points on the license
- Mandatory alcohol treatment in many cases (some judges require treatment regardless of BAC)
Refusal to take a chemical test after a lawful arrest:
- First offense: a one-year license suspension
- Second refusal within seven years: a two-year license suspension
The court may also require a restricted license and an ignition interlock device.
TIPS FOR TRAVELING SAFELY ON A HOLIDAY WEEKEND
When a gathering includes alcohol, take precautions:
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Wear a seat belt and insist that passengers buckle up
- Ask local police or a sheriff’s department about safe-ride programs
- Appoint a designated driver who stays sober all night
- If you are the designated driver, do not drink any alcohol
- If a sober driver is unavailable, use a cab or rideshare such as Lyft or Uber
- Do what you can to stop others from driving impaired
- If you are hosting, arrange rides home for guests who have been drinking
OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS WILL WIN THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
Accidents can happen to careful drivers, especially on a busy holiday weekend when roads are crowded and many people are leaving gatherings where alcohol is served.
If you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident, we can help. Our attorneys have the skills, experience and resources to pursue the best financial outcome for you and your family.
Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right car accident lawyer is simple. Start your case today by filling out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do You Have a Case?
