SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is warning residents to make safe choices behind the wheel as Thanksgiving Eve, known to many as “Drinksgiving,” approaches.
The night before Thanksgiving has become one of the deadliest for drunk driving across the country.
Federal traffic safety data shows that between 2019 and 2023, 149 drunk drivers were involved in fatal crashes during the hours from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Thanksgiving morning.
Of those drivers, 107 were men and 34 were women, with the highest number of alcohol-impaired crashes involving drivers aged 21 to 24, followed by those 25 to 34.
In 2023 alone, 30 drunk drivers were involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve, with 17 of them male, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Officials urge advance planning for sober rides
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald emphasized the importance of planning ahead before heading out to bars or gatherings. “When you get on the road, you are pledging to use safe driving practices to keep all road users safe,” McDonald said. “Anyone heading out to a bar or party must make a commitment to stay sober for the night if they are driving or arrange for a sober ride home before they begin to drink alcohol.”
Chief of Detectives Francisco Roman Jr. joined McDonald in reminding residents that the Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving campaign isn’t just a slogan — it’s a warning backed by real numbers and lives lost.
Simple steps can prevent tragedy
Authorities urged drivers not to wait until after they’ve started drinking to figure out how they’ll get home. Impairment can cloud judgment, and officials say that planning ahead can make the difference between a safe night and a fatal mistake.
Residents are encouraged to secure a designated driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service. Those who find themselves unable to drive should hand over their keys to a sober driver. Friends are urged to intervene if someone who’s been drinking tries to drive, and anyone who sees a suspected drunk driver is asked to contact law enforcement immediately.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office said the goal is simple: ensure that everyone arrives home safely to enjoy Thanksgiving morning.