It may come as a surprise that the biggest night for going out drinking isn't a holiday itself, but the eve of Thanksgiving. With that comes one of the deadliest nights of the year on the roads as an increased number of people drive under the influence.
It's not just Thanksgiving Eve, but the whole weekend that's one of the most fatal each year. Last Thanksgiving weekend, the state reported 60 DUIs.
According to the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), holiday weekends tend to see an uptick in drinking and driving. In the winter holiday season of 2020, there were over 2,600 crashes on Delaware roads. Five percent were DUI related. " We are partnering with law-enforcement statewide starting
night and partnering with them through the weekend to increase patrols," said Richard Klepner, Deputy Director for OHS. Bar and restaurant owners are excited for the busy weekend, but urging customers to take precautions. Steve Montgomery, who owns The Starboard in Dewey Beach, says that while Thanksgiving Eve isn't the busiest night of the year, it is the biggest night of the off-season. He also says the Wednesday night demographic is mostly young people home from college who get together to catch up with old friends. While it's a night they look forward to, Montgomery also knows its one that can turn dangerous if people get behind the wheel when they leave. The Starboard encourages everyone to take an Uber or Lyft home. They work with the town of Dewey Beach, as well as their vendors, to make ride share accessible. However, Montgomery points out tonight isn't just popular for drinking, but even families usually dine out. "Most restaurants are busy
night as families go out and prepare," he said. "They’re cooking all day
. So whether it’s the restaurants that are busy or the bars later at night with the younger folks we’re all busy on
weekend." Jack Daniels, a Starboard vendor, is offering patrons $15 off an Uber or Lyft ride through the weekend.