Why Is Thanksgiving One Of The Deadliest Holidays for Car Accidents?

Every year, Thanksgiving brings plates piled high, crowded airports, and, for millions, long drives to see family. That increase in travel, coupled with late-night driving, alcohol use at celebrations, bad weather in some regions, and congested roads, makes Thanksgiving one of the deadliest holidays on U.S. roads. Holiday weekends concentrate risk into a few days: more people on the road, more fatigue, more impaired driving, and more opportunities for catastrophic car accidents. The statistics and research show that the consequences can be severe, and that prevention and careful response matter.

“Thanksgiving should be a time of family, gratitude, and safety. Too often we see lives shattered because of choices that could have been avoided: driving while impaired, driving while exhausted, or ignoring basic safety precautions. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Thanksgiving crash, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Let us help you navigate the aftermath of a Thanksgiving crash.” — John J. Malm, Naperville car accident lawyer

How Dangerous is Thanksgiving Travel?

The National Safety Council (NSC) and other safety organizations track holiday periods because the weeks around Thanksgiving consistently show elevated numbers of motor-vehicle deaths. For the recent Thanksgiving holiday period, the NSC estimated hundreds of roadway fatalities over the multi-day travel period, and the average daily deaths during Thanksgiving weeks can exceed 100 per day when viewed over longer study periods. These estimates reflect deaths of vehicle occupants, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

AAA forecasts record-breaking travel volumes for many Thanksgivings, meaning more cars on the road at the same time. For example, AAA projected that roughly 82 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving travel period in a recent year, making Thanksgiving the single busiest travel holiday. More vehicles and more congestion mean greater exposure to risk, especially on heavily traveled routes, interstates, and at peak times around Wednesday evening and Sunday evening.

Why Thanksgiving is Especially Risky

• Increased traffic volume: Millions of additional drivers on the road lead to congestion, freeway bottlenecks, and greater chance of multi-vehicle collisions.
• Alcohol-impaired driving: A large share of holiday fatalities involve alcohol. Studies and data summaries show that roughly one-third of Thanksgiving-period road deaths involve alcohol impairment, and alcohol-related crashes remain a leading cause of holiday fatalities.
• Fatigue and long-distance driving: Long trips, early departures and late returns increase the risk of driver drowsiness and fatigue. Fatalities during holidays have a higher proportion occurring at night and during long blocks of driving time.
• Speed and aggressive driving: Congestion and schedule pressure often combine with risky behaviors, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, and tailgating, that substantially raise crash severity.
• Bad weather and seasonal conditions: In many parts of the country, Thanksgiving can bring rain, sleet or early snow, creating slippery roads and poorer visibility for holiday travelers.

Common Thanksgiving Travel Crash Scenarios We See

• Long-distance highway collisions involving multiple vehicles (chain-reaction or pile-ups) when congestion and speed differentials collide.
• Head-on collisions or run-off-road crashes in poor weather or at night, often resulting in serious injuries.
• Crashes where one driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, leading to catastrophic injury or death.
• Single-vehicle crashes caused by fatigue, distraction (phones), or wildlife on rural roads.

How to Make Thanksgiving Travel Safer

• Plan safe driving windows: leave extra time so there’s no need to rush. If possible, avoid the heaviest travel times (Wednesday evening and Sunday evening are often busiest).
• Don’t drive impaired: designate a sober driver, use a rideshare or stay over if you’ll be drinking. Given that about one-third of holiday fatalities involve alcohol, this is one of the single most effective actions families can take.
• Share driving when possible: on long trips switch drivers regularly to avoid fatigue.
• Check the vehicle: tires, lights, wipers, fluids, and brakes, especially important if you’ll encounter winter conditions.
• Keep a safety kit: warm clothes, water, flashlight, phone charger, first-aid kit, and a portable battery.
• Wear seat belts: many holiday fatalities involve unbelted occupants — simple restraints save lives.

What To Do If You’re Involved in a Thanksgiving Crash

• Call 911 for medical help and to report the crash. Even if injuries seem minor at first, get evaluated. Some serious injuries have delayed symptoms.
• Take photos: vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs or signals, and any visible injuries.
• Get witness information: names, phone numbers, and short statements if possible.
• Preserve evidence: don’t alter the scene unless necessary for safety; save damaged clothing and personal items.
• Report the crash to your insurance company, but be careful: brief, factual notices are fine, but avoid giving recorded statements about fault without an attorney.
• Contact an Illinois personal injury attorney experienced with holiday crash cases. An attorney can help protect your rights, evaluate liability, and coordinate with insurers and medical providers.

Why an Illinois Car Accident Attorney Matters After a Holiday Crash

• Insurance complexity: holiday crashes can involve out-of-state drivers, rental vehicles, or multiple insurers. An attorney helps navigate claim filings and coverage questions.
• Evidence preservation: holidays can complicate witness availability and data capture; prompt legal help can preserve electronic evidence (camera footage, telematics) and witness statements.
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience: cases involving permanent disability or death require experienced counsel to assess damages, coordinate medical lien negotiations, and pursue compensation for future needs.
• Negotiation and trial readiness: an attorney levels the playing field against insurers and, when necessary, takes a case to court to secure fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Car Accidents

Q: Is Thanksgiving actually the most dangerous holiday to drive?
A: Thanksgiving is consistently one of the busiest travel holidays and shows elevated traffic fatalities in many analyses. AAA often reports Thanksgiving as the single busiest travel holiday, and NSC and NHTSA data indicate higher numbers of deaths and crashes during Thanksgiving holiday windows compared with many non-holiday times. Different holidays (Labor Day, July 4, New Year’s) each have their own risk patterns, some with higher per-day deaths, but Thanksgiving’s combination of volume, night driving, and alcohol makes it especially risky.

Q: How much does alcohol contribute to holiday fatalities?
A: Alcohol-impaired driving contributes to a large share of holiday deaths. Multiple sources show around one-third of Thanksgiving-period road deaths involve alcohol impairment, and national totals for alcohol-impaired crash deaths number in the thousands annually. Avoiding impaired driving is one of the most impactful ways to reduce holiday fatalities.

Q: Are rural roads more dangerous during Thanksgiving?
A: Research indicates a substantial share of holiday fatalities occur in rural locations. Rural roads often have higher speed limits, fewer safety barriers, and longer emergency response times, factors that increase fatality risk after a collision.

Q: Should I delay travel if there’s bad weather forecast?
A: Yes. If severe weather is forecasted, delaying travel or changing your route can substantially reduce risk.

Contact the 5-Star Rated Illinois Car Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Thanksgiving is a cherished time for family and friends, but it also brings elevated risk on the roads. Simple precautions, like sober driving, shared driving, pre-trip vehicle checks, and sensible timing, can dramatically reduce the chance that your holiday becomes a tragedy. If the worst happens and you or a loved one is injured in a Thanksgiving crash, immediate medical care and smart documentation matter. At John J. Malm & Associates, our Naperville car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling catastrophic and holiday-related crash cases. We know how to investigate, preserve evidence, and push back on unfair insurance tactics so injured people receive the support they need.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a Thanksgiving crash, contact our office for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve: medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, when appropriate, wrongful death recovery. Don’t navigate the legal aftermath alone, reach out today so your family can focus on healing and rebuilding.