Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This day of gathering for food and gratitude marks the beginning of the holiday season, with Black Friday and holiday shopping kicking into high gear. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving weekend also marks the beginning of a deadly time for drivers, as people crowd the roads to complete their holiday errands and visit loved ones in November and December.
With extra traffic, snowier weather, and revelry leading to increased drunk driving, it's no wonder the roads are dangerous at this time of year. Here's how to increase your odds of ringing in the New Year in one piece.
More Traffic, More Accidents
The day before Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day of the year, with an estimated 55.4 million Americans traveling farther than 50 miles for their turkey dinners in 2023. That's the most since before the pandemic. With nearly 89% of those travelers choosing to drive, traffic is heavy during the holiday weekend. The sheer number of cars on the road increases the risk of accidents, and the National Safety Council estimated 507 Thanksgiving weekend traffic deaths in 2023.
While the day before Thanksgiving is the heaviest travel day, Black Friday shoppers also play a role in driving up the number of accidents. Road rage can spike as drivers compete for parking spaces and crowd the roads near shopping centers. The Sunday after Thanksgiving also sees an increase in traffic, with travelers trying to get back to work and school after the long weekend.
Holiday Road Hazards
Black Friday road rage and aggressive shoppers aren't the only dangers of the holiday season. Drunk driving is a real issue, particularly on the day before Thanksgiving — also known as "Blackout Wednesday" and the busiest night at bars around the country. In 2022, there were 184 fatalities from drunk driving accidents over Thanksgiving, with drivers under age 35 most at risk.
Additionally, weather during the holiday season can have a big impact on road conditions. In many parts of the country, snow and ice are common in November and December, but even rain can affect visibility and make it easier to skid on the roads.
Practical Safety Tips for Holiday Driving
You can't control the weather or other drivers, but you can still do your part to make sure you get where you're going safely this Thanksgiving. For starters, brush up on your defensive driving skills to minimize the likelihood of accidents. You'll want to make sure you:
Always buckle up
Maintain a safe following distance
Minimize distractions, especially cell phones
Obey the speed limit
Give yourself extra travel time, especially when heavy holiday traffic is expected
Stay calm in heavy traffic
If you've been drinking or simply feel sleepy after a heavy turkey dinner, don't get behind the wheel! You can always call a cab or ride-share service instead.
In Case of Emergency
Even when you do everything right, sometimes things happen. During a breakdown, accident, or weather emergency that closes the road, it pays to be prepared. An auto safety kit is essential for wintertime travel. You can buy one ready-made or put together your own emergency kit with items like:
Extra water
Road flares
Non-perishable snacks
Blankets
Flashlight
First aid supplies
Refillable gas can
Of course, you can avoid breakdowns by staying up to date with your vehicle maintenance. Before heading out for holiday road trips, check your tire pressure, fluid levels, and brakes to make sure your car is road-worthy and ready to go.
Brush Up Your Safe Driving Skills
This holiday season, make it a priority to drive safely by keeping an eye on the weather, avoiding drunk driving, and getting prepared for roadside emergencies. One of the best ways to make sure you're up to the challenge of holiday driving is to take a defensive driving course. You'll learn useful skills to proactively avoid problems on the road so you can safely enjoy many more holidays to come.
Updated 11/19/2024