'Blackout Wednesday' a dangerous day for drivers

Be careful if you're on the roads today — the day before Thanksgiving is a dangerous day to be traveling.

Law enforcement officials say Wednesday, which some call "Blackout Wednesday," is one of the biggest drinking days of the year.

"This day has a reputation for binge drinking for college students and family members returning home that are off for the Thanksgiving holiday," said Donna Burger, head of traffic safety at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Officers from 400 agencies will begin increased DWI patrols, which will continue on weekends until the new year.

Officials say one out of every seven Minnesota drivers has a DWI on their record, and that there were 81 DWI-related deaths on Minnesota roads last year.