Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, and many people will be hitting the road to spend the day with friends and family. The long weekend is full of food, drink, and merriment, but when the wine flows too freely, it can lead to people getting behind the wheel intoxicated. Here's what you need to know to stay safe behind the wheel this Thanksgiving weekend.
The Grim Stats on Thanksgiving DUIs
Thanksgiving is a feel-good holiday, but unfortunately, many people take their celebration too far. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Thanksgiving 2021 saw 190 people killed in alcohol-related crashes over the holiday weekend. Nighttime was particularly deadly, with more than four times the fatalities as occurred in the day.
2021 wasn't an outlier, either. Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 830 people died in drunk driving crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. That's an average of 166 people each year. The cost of a DUI can go well beyond fines to a loss of life, so don't drink and drive.
What the Experts Think Thanksgiving 2023 Will Look Like
Every year, the National Safety Council (NSC) crunches the numbers to estimate the number of road fatalities during various holidays to encourage drivers to stay safe. To the NSC, the Thanksgiving holiday starts on Wednesday evening and goes through Sunday. During this period in 2023, the NSC estimates that 507 people will be killed in a car accident, though they expect the range to be anywhere from 439 to 580, with 36% of those deaths related to a drunk driving accident. Luckily, those numbers are down slightly from last year's estimates.
Even when accidents don't result in a fatality, they are still dangerous. The NSC estimates that 57,800 people will be injured severely enough to need medical attention over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road This Thanksgiving
If you plan to enjoy a cocktail or some wine at your Thanksgiving celebration, do not drink and drive. Plan ahead to make sure you have a sober ride home. Some safe alternatives include:
Public transportation
A designated driver
Rides shares like Uber or Lyft
A holiday sleepover
You could also plan to have your dinner early in the day so you have time to sober up before it's time to drive home.
If you plan to drive yourself, make sure you're extra alert to avoid accidents after a big feast. Thanksgiving turkey can make you sleepy, so try taking a walk in the cool air or having a cup of coffee before you head out. You'll also want to avoid distractions, so put your phone in your glove box, pick your music before you set out, and avoid eating those leftovers on the road. If you're driving in the dark, be extra cautious, as 50% of traffic deaths happen at night.
Finally, be sure to wear your seatbelt at all times, whether you're the driver or a passenger. The NSC estimates that 201 lives could be saved over this Thanksgiving holiday if people buckle up.
Don't Let This Thanksgiving Be Your Last
This Thanksgiving, make good decisions on the road. Never drink and drive, and practice alert, defensive driving when you are behind the wheel. If you need to brush up on your skills, consider taking an online defensive driving course — it can even help you save on your insurance rates to make your holiday season a little more rewarding.
Updated 11/20/23