Department of Transportation, State Police talk safe driving on ‘Blackout Wednesday’


HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a busy day on the roads and at the bars.

Today is also known as “blackout Wednesday”.

If you are planning to go out, plan ahead.

“It’s typically a big weekend where kids are coming home from school and colleges,” said Christina Tomas, Newington.

AAA expects 600,000 Connecticut residents will be traveling this Thanksgiving holiday and many bars will be open.

The Department of Transportation has been working with police to get the word out about safety.

“There’s going to be more people on the roads so if someone is going to go out, and they are going to be drinking, do not get behind the wheel. You are putting yourself at risk, you are putting others at risk,” said Josh Morgan, DOT Communications.

If you are planning to go out and drink, pick a designated driver first or leave the driving to someone else like Uber or Lyft.

According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, more than 800 people died in crashes involving alcohol during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend between 2016 and 2020.

Patrick Tomas wants to make sure his family has a safe holiday.

“We tend to drive more during the day and not so much at night when usually that’s when you tend to see more issues,” said Patrick.

Channel 3 rode along with a state trooper to talk more about safe driving.

“Since I signed on today there has definitely been an increase in traffic on the highways,” said Trooper Evan Goddard, Troop H Connecticut State Police.

From broken-down cars to drivers breaking the law, Trooper Evan Goddard has been making his way near Hartford trying to bring peace to this very hectic night.

This holiday season state police urge people to think about everybody else on the road.

“With more cars on the road there are more broken-down vehicles. Last thing I want you to do is use it and someone pulls down in front of you for an emergency and you hit them,” said Trooper Goddard.

Troopers also want you to control your speed, don’t drive under the influence, and don’t get distracted.

“That one second you look down could be the difference between you get home in a timely manner or getting held up a bit because now you’re in an accident,” Trooper Goddard explained.

To avoid these accidents, state police say to show some compassion to the people you share the road with.

“Just showing a little bit more patience. A little bit more compassion with the people you are sharing the road with I feel like could reduce a lot of the accidents, especially around the holidays,” advised Trooper Goddard.

According to last years Thanksgiving numbers more than one thousand violations were given out. Troopers are hoping that is not the case this year.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a busy day on the roads and at the bars.

Staying safe on ‘Blackout Wednesday’



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