Black Wednesday

To the Editor:

The day before Thanksgiving is always a busy one for travel, but that's not all it is known for. Catching up with your old high school friends over a few beers on Thanksgiving Eve is a tradition as old as marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes. Unfortunately, in these parts it is also known as Black Wednesday because it is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.

While the holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations, National Highway Traffic Safety statistics show there is a tragic jump in the number of alcohol-related highway fatalities each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Moreover, local student survey statistics show it is a time when underage drinking sees a significant increase.

The Healthy Sheboygan County 2020 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Committee wants to remind everyone to take the simple steps to enjoy a safe holiday season:

• Monitor and secure your alcohol to reduce access for underage drinkers.

• If you are hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead to designate a sober driver, and offer alcohol-free beverages during the event. Encourage all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

• Never get behind the wheel of your vehicle if you’ve been out drinking.

• If impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or a family member to come and get you.

Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Be a role model for area youth. Drink responsibly and help make this a wonderful holiday season to remember!

Healthy Sheboygan County 2020 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Committee