Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, and many people will hit 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.
Unfortunately, this makes the Thanksgiving holiday one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers. There are many more vehicles on the road, and higher incidents of both buzzed driving and drunk driving. As a result, accidents tend to spike, especially at night. Whether driving or riding with others, staying aware and making smart choices may help prevent you from becoming another statistic.
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 2022 saw 184 people killed in alcohol-related crashes over the holiday weekend.
Sadly, 2022 wasn't an outlier, either. Between 2018 and 2022, a total of 833 people died in drunk driving crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. That's an average of 166 people each year. This is a stark reminder that the cost of a DUI can go well beyond fines — it can lead to a loss of life, so don't drink and drive.
What the Experts Are Predicting
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.
While the 2024 prediction has not yet been released, during this period in 2023, the NSC estimated that 507 people would be killed in a car accident over Thanksgiving weekend. They also predicted an additional 57,800 accidents with an injury serious enough to require a medical consultation.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road This Thanksgiving
If you plan to enjoy a cocktail, a beer, 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
You could also have dinner early in the day so you have time to sober up before driving home. Or, even better, plan a holiday sleepover.
If you haven't been drinking and plan to drive yourself home, make sure you're alert enough to avoid accidents after a big feast. Thanksgiving turkey can make you sleepy, and drowsy driving is almost as dangerous as driving under the influence.
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 — 50% of traffic deaths happen at night.
Finally, be sure to always wear your seatbelt, whether you're the driver or a passenger. The NSC estimates that 201 lives could be saved over the Thanksgiving holiday just by buckling up.
Plan Ahead for a Safe Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about celebrating with friends and family, but keeping safety in mind is key to truly enjoying the holiday. Responsible driving can make all the difference. If you’re drinking, plan for a safe ride. And if you’re driving at night, take some extra steps to be refreshed and alert before hitting the road. No matter what time of day, avoid distractions when you’re behind the wheel, and always buckle up.
Want to make sure your driving skills are as sharp as possible? Consider taking Aceable’s online defensive driving course. You’ll learn how to stay safe and avoid accidents. You might even earn an insurance discount, making your holiday season even more rewarding.
Updated 11/13/2024