Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and the roads will be packed with people trying to get to their holiday celebration. The extra traffic can lead to unsafe conditions if you're unprepared. Here's what you need to know to stay safe during one of the biggest travel weekends of the year.
Prepare for Increased Traffic Jams
For drivers, the busiest travel day is usually the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when it can take up to 80% longer to reach your destination in some cities. The worst time to head out is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., as people get out of work and school. While Thanksgiving Day is generally a light traffic day, congestion picks back up during the day on Friday and again on Sunday afternoon as people leave their gatherings and head back home.
Knowing the traffic patterns can help you get strategic about your timing. If you must drive, try to leave earlier in the week or before noon on Wednesday. For your return trip, consider leaving on Saturday or very early in the morning on Sunday to beat the rush.
Expect More Holiday Accidents
Unfortunately, the extra traffic leads to more accidents over Thanksgiving. The National Safety Council estimates that 507 people died in car accidents over Thanksgiving in 2023. This represents a spike in fatalities, as Thanksgiving auto accident deaths represent 13.1% of all fatalities during the month of November.
While you can't control other drivers, you can make sure you're doing everything in your power to avoid an accident. Good defensive driving techniques — such as maintaining a good following distance, obeying the speed limit, and staying focused on the road — will help you react appropriately if another driver is impaired.
Look Out for Drunk Driving Incidents
Everyone knows that drinking and driving is against the law, yet the dangerous "Blackout Wednesday" trend continues to grow. The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days at bars and restaurants, and the result is a spike in drunk driving to kick off the holiday weekend.
Alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction times, which could lead you to crash. That's why choosing a designated driver before heading to the pub is crucial. No volunteers? Call a cab or split an Uber to make sure you get home in one piece.
Avoid Distracted Driving
It's not just alcohol that can cause drivers to lose focus. Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as anything that takes your eyes off the road and can have disastrous consequences. Cell phones are the main culprit here, as texts, calls, and notifications from other apps all compete for attention.
To minimize distractions, set up your GPS ahead of time, and take a minute to review the route to avoid surprises. You should also load up your playlist ahead of time and set your phone to its "do not disturb" mode while you're driving.
Take Care of Vehicle Maintenance Needs
Thanksgiving may bring out many other drivers, but your car can also become a problem if you're not careful. Before heading out on any road trip, it's a good idea to ensure your car is in good condition for the journey. Check your:
Tire air pressure
Fluid levels
Brakes
If you haven't had a mechanic check your vehicle in some time, schedule a pre-trip oil change and maintenance check to prevent breakdowns and ensure safe travels.
Drive Safely This Thanksgiving
When the roads get busy, it's more important than ever to ensure you're ready to handle the traffic. You can get to your Thanksgiving celebration safely by planning ahead for traffic and vehicle readiness. You can also brush up your driving skills with an online defensive driving course that will provide practical tips for avoiding accidents — even on the busiest travel day of the year.
Updated 11/26/2024