Thanksgiving Car Accident Risk & Safety Tips | Accident Doctor

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, feasting, and celebration but it’s also one of the deadliest holidays for drivers in the United States. Increased travel, holiday festivities, and crowded roadways all contribute to a higher risk of car accidents. In 2025, an estimated 73 million Americans are expected to travel by car, a substantial rise from 49.1 million in 2023, meaning significantly heavier traffic and greater potential hazards on the roads.

📊 Recent Trends & Statistics

• In 2023, there were 309 traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period where 44% of those killed were not wearing seat belts.
• Between 2019–2023, 868 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving period.
• In 2023 alone, 92 drivers involved in fatal Thanksgiving-Eve crashes were found to be impaired, about 33%.
• In Georgia, the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period (102 hours) resulted in 17 fatalities, more than 22,500 traffic stops, and over 425 DUI arrests.
• In Pennsylvania over Thanksgiving 2023, troopers reported 979 crashes, 542 DUI arrests, and 73 alcohol-related crashes.
• In Florida, over recent years, more than 28% of fatal Thanksgiving-week crashes involve impairment (alcohol or drugs).

⚠️ What Are the Causes of Thanksgiving Accidents?

🍻 Alcohol & “Blackout Wednesday”

• The night before Thanksgiving, often called Blackout Wednesday, is notorious for heavy drinking and impaired driving.
• Because of this, there’s a major spike in fatal crashes during this period.

🚗 Seat Belt Non-Use

• A large portion of deaths during the holiday comes from people not wearing seat belts.
• It’s a simple precaution but one that still is not taken seriously enough by everyone.

📅 High Traffic Volumes

• More cars on the road, especially Wednesday afternoon, increase the risk of accidents.
• Holiday traffic combined with impaired driving and less predictable driving patterns creates a dangerous mix.

🛣️ When & Where to Be Extra Cautious

Here’s what the data (and past WARNINGS) suggests about the most dangerous times to drive:

🚗 Deadliest States for Thanksgiving Driving

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and unfortunately, it is also one of the deadliest. Across the United States, certain states consistently experience higher rates of traffic fatalities during the holiday period. These trends are influenced by factors such as alcohol-impaired driving, higher traffic volumes, rural roads, and long-distance travel. Understanding which states are most at risk can help drivers take extra precautions and make safer choices during the holiday.

While no state is completely safe from the risks of holiday driving, these rankings highlight regions where drivers should exercise extra caution. Whether it’s avoiding late-night travel, driving sober, or taking frequent breaks on long trips, being aware of high-risk areas can help reduce the likelihood of a tragic accident. Preparation, vigilance, and safe driving habits remain the most effective ways to make sure everyone reaches their Thanksgiving destination safely.

🕒 Worst Travel Times for Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday consistently brings some of the heaviest traffic of the year, especially in and around major metropolitan areas. As millions take to the roads to visit family, traffic volumes surge, delays skyrocket, and crash risks increase significantly. Understanding the worst times to travel can help drivers avoid gridlock, reduce stress, and stay safer during one of the busiest travel periods in the country.

🚗 Top 10 Worst Times to Travel in Major Metro Areas on Thanksgiving

✅ Tips to Avoid the Worst Traffic

• Leave early on Wednesday (or very late) to avoid peak Wednesday-afternoon congestion.
• Travel on Thanksgiving morning, ideally before 11 AM. That tends to be much smoother.
• Avoid returning in the afternoon Friday through Sunday if possible, either leave earlier or later.
• Use real-time traffic apps (Waze, Google Maps) — holiday weeks are unpredictable and can vary by route.
• Time your travel by day: If possible
• Consider alternate routes or transit: In very congested metros (NYC, SF, LA), sometimes public transit or alternate roads are faster during peak.

🚨 States With High DUI Rates Around Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest times to be on the road, and impaired driving is a major factor. Across the U.S., certain states experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol-related crashes during the holiday, putting drivers and passengers at serious risk. Understanding which states see the most DUI fatalities can help raise awareness and encourage safer holiday travel.

🟢 South Dakota

• 🍺 57% of fatal Thanksgiving-weekend crashes involve alcohol.
• ⚰️ The state averages 0.79 drunk-driving deaths per 100,000 people during the holiday period.

🟣 Alaska

• ❗ 100% of the (very small number of) fatal Thanksgiving crashes involve drunk driving.
  Source: MoneyGeek

🔵 Iowa

• 🍻 Approximately 40% of Thanksgiving-related fatalities involve an impaired driver.

🟠 Arkansas

• 🚗💥 About 35% of fatal holiday crashes are alcohol-related.

🔴 Mississippi, Montana & South Carolina

• 🛑 These states have some of the highest rates of deadly Thanksgiving crashes in the country.
• 📈 With more than 1 in 3 fatal Thanksgiving crashes nationwide involving impaired drivers, alcohol is a major contributor to elevated death rates in these states.

🔵 Connecticut

• 📊 Thanksgiving week sees a 156% increase in drunk-driving fatalities compared to a typical day.
• 🥃 Connecticut also ranks among the states with the highest share of holiday fatalities involving alcohol.

🟣 Rhode Island

• 🍷 A staggering 67% of fatal Thanksgiving crashes involve a drunk driver — the highest percentage in the country.

🔮 2025 Thanksgiving Crash Risk Forecast

📈 Key Factors Driving Elevated Risk This Year

1. Record High Travel Volume
   • AAA projects 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the 2025 Thanksgiving period.
   • Nearly 73.3 million of those travelers are expected to drive.
   • More cars on the road means more exposure, and more opportunity for crashes.
2. Alcohol-Impaired Driving Remains a Major Threat
   • Between 2019–2023, 868 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving period, representing 35% of all holiday traffic fatalities, according to AAA.
   • NHTSA warns that “buzzed driving is drunk driving” and stresses the importance of sober driving and seat belt use during the holiday.
3. Overall Fatalities Trending Down — but Risk Persists
   • Early NHTSA data show an 8.2% decline in traffic fatalities in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.
   • While this is promising, traffic risk during Thanksgiving tends to spike due to holiday-specific behaviors (heavy traffic, drinking, fatigue).
4. Historic Patterns Suggest Certain Days Are Extra Dangerous
   • Research analyzing decades of FARS data found that the day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday) consistently has one of the highest fatal crash risks.
   • Holiday time series analysis also shows elevated risk during Tuesday–Thursday of Thanksgiving week.

⚠️ Forecasted Risk Profile for Thanksgiving 2025

✅ Implications & Recommendations for Drivers

• Plan ahead: With nearly 73 million Americans expected to drive, congestion will likely be heavy. Leave early, especially on Wednesday if possible.
• Drive sober: Given the persistent role of alcohol in holiday fatalities, plan a safe way home. Use designated drivers, rideshares, or alternate transport.
• Buckle up: NHTSA’s data shows a large proportion of holiday deaths involve unbelted occupants.
• Avoid risky windows: The afternoon and evening of Wednesday and Thursday carry elevated risk historically — be extra alert during those times.
• Stay vigilant: Watch out for fatigue, distraction, and other holiday driving hazards.

✅ How to Stay Safe This Thanksgiving (and Help Others Do the Same)

• Wear your seat belt, every trip. It’s one of the most effective protections you have.
• Plan ahead for a sober ride. Use rideshares, designate a driver, or arrange for someone to pick up guests who may drink.
• Host responsibly. If you’re having people over, keep non-alcoholic options, collect car keys from those who’ve been drinking, and help guests get home safely.
• Check your vehicle before hitting the road: battery, tire pressure, fluids, jumper cables, and a basic safety kit can make all the difference.
• Avoid peak travel times if possible. Try to travel at off-peak hours or adjust plans to leave before Wednesday afternoon.
• Stay alert. Thanksgiving week brings fatigue, more aggressive driving, and unexpected road conditions.

💡 Final Take

Thanksgiving should be a time of joy, reconnecting, and making memories not tragedy. By being mindful of the unique risks this holiday brings, you can take concrete steps to protect yourself and others. Buckle up, don’t drive impaired, and think ahead so that everyone can make it home safe.