TRAVERSE CITY — The night before thanksgiving is known as one of the heaviest drinking days of the year-earning nicknames like “Drinksgiving” and “Blackout Wednesday.”

Across the country, alcohol sales jump, DUI arrests rise, and police increase patrols.

Beer makes up the bulk of Thanksgiving weekend sales coming in at 55% compared to 30% for wine and 15% for spirits according to Statista.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a 55% jump in alcohol-related crashes from Wednesday through Sunday, with more than 400 deaths every year.

Thanksgiving Eve can be dangerous, Michigan State Police Ashley Miller said law enforcement is prepared.

“We always step up our patrols during the holiday weekends and surrounding the holiday. So, we will have patrols out today and tomo

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