Binge drinking or Blackout Wednesday has never been so in. On the day before Thanksgiving, millions of college students hit the bars in hopes of getting drunk and reconnecting with friends they haven’t seen in a long time. This event has been coined “Blackout Wednesday,” also known as “Drinksgiving.” With the excitement often comes irresponsible decisions that can have dire consequences, many of which could be avoided with proper planning and adherence to safety procedures. However, despite claims that Gen-Z has an increased risk perception, they are still committing crimes and causing fatalities.
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Gen-Z Perceives Risk Better Than Other Generations
According to studies, Gen-Z has a higher perception of risk than previous generations. It is suggested that they have a deteriorating worldview due to the influx of political tension, threat of climate change, increase in gun violence, and lack of action against these issues from those in power.
The constant stream of tragic news has begun to impact the younger generations. Previous generations didn’t have the same technology. The internet was a place you had to enter by sitting at a computer and logging on. Now, it seems as though the internet is inescapable. No longer is there a barrier between real life and social media; only a constant stream of information. This is unhealthy, especially for younger generations. Anxiety rates are increasing, and now many Gen-Z individuals seem to assess danger in all situations.
I spoke to multiple Gen-Z adults about whether they consider the dangers when they attend bars. Many women said yes, one even claiming they “stayed home before because the event seemed dangerous.” However, the men seemed more lenient regarding safety, claiming they would keep an eye out for suspicious activity, but remain spontaneous and would “let [the night] work itself out.”
If this generation seems to have an enhanced sense of risk, why are they the cause of thousands of deaths on the road lately?
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Gen-Z Has The Highest Rates of Drunk Driving
Alcohol has been proven to reduce anxiety and inhibitions, and research suggests that alcohol can weaken threat-based responding. Gen-Z may have a higher perception of risk, but after a few drinks, their brain’s functioning is impaired, leading to poor decisions.
Gen-Z has the highest rate of DUIs compared to other generations. Between 2017 and 2021, the highest percentage (44%) of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes on Blackout Wednesday were between the ages of 21 and 24. There have been 79 vehicle crashes in Connecticut over the past four Thanksgiving seasons, which have resulted in 72 injuries and eight deaths.
Claims suggest that Gen-Z are hyper aware of danger; however, they are the leading cause of fatalities for drunk drivers. This is likely due to alcohol reducing their fear and inhibitions, resulting in dangerous behavior being displayed despite their previous awareness.
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Beware Blackout Wednesday
Thanksgiving Eve is intended to bring a sense of community and connection to individuals around the nation. Referring to the day as “Blackout Wednesday” suggests that binge drinking will be the main event, which may subconsciously instill the idea of chaos into the minds of many youthful attendees.
If we redirect attention from drinking to the ideas of reconnection, we may be able to help communities stay safer. Let the day remain a celebration of life, friendship, and family unity. We must remember the true purpose of Thanksgiving after all. Instead of transforming the night into a dangerous binge drinking fest and risking the lives of innocent people, choose to party at home and avoid drunk drivers on Connecticut roads.
Hopefully, Gen-Z will hit the town with safety in mind. Downloading rideshare apps before leaving the house is a great start, and keeping drinks to a minimum is always a good choice. As always, remain vigilant on the road. The last thing anyone wants is to be responsible for someone not returning home for the holidays.
If you find yourself arrested for driving drunk, the police will likely keep you until you sober up. This could mean hours spent in a cold cell with others who could have been charged with more egregious crimes. Your family will be upset, your car may be towed, and you may even be facing a prison sentence. Will the tow fees, criminal record, and long court dates be worth it? Keep this in mind when you go out on Blackout Wednesday.
