The night before Thanksgiving is often referred to as "Drinksgiving" or "Blackout Wednesday" because it has become one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.
"When people get any time off around the holiday and then get with family and friends, we do see you know, more of a use of alcohol," Andy Erbaugh, a detective with the Tyler Police Department said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2013 and 2017 there were 800 people killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after.
"State of Texas takes it very seriously,” Erbaugh said. “Not only will you face an arrest, you'll face fines, you can face the suspension of your driver's license, and you can be put on probation."
If someone is caught drinking or driving under the influence, they could be stuck in a jail cell during Thanksgiving.
"Our officers that are on the streets have been trained at recognizing intoxicated drivers and conducting field sobriety tests," Erbaugh said.
Officials say this doesn’t mean people can’t drink this holiday, but just to have a plan if it’s not done at home.
"Ask a friend to drive, leave your keys, stay somewhere overnight or call a service to come drive you," Erbaugh said. "Don't ruin your own holiday."
From the CBS19 family to yours, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving