Washington — This Thanksgiving, nearly 82 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles from home, marking an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). The majority, approximately 73 million, are expected to drive, a figure that may rise as more people opt for road trips following recent flight cancellations.
The National Safety Council (NSC) projects that 439 individuals may lose their lives on U.S. roads during this holiday weekend. This estimate represents a 12% decrease from last year’s figures, which the NSC notes is the largest drop among all holiday projections this year. Ken Kolosh, the NSC’s statistics manager, acknowledged that this reduction is encouraging, particularly since Thanksgiving is generally regarded as one of the safer holidays for road travel.
Each year, the NSC uses data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to evaluate potential traffic fatalities over Thanksgiving. This includes a broad spectrum of road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of vehicles. In 2023, Thanksgiving averaged about 112 traffic deaths daily, which is significantly lower than the 152 daily fatalities observed during Labor Day, one of the most hazardous holiday periods.
The nature of Thanksgiving travel, typically a single-day event unlike summer holidays filled with multiple days of festivities, contributes to the relatively lower risks. Improvements in roadway safety have also played a key role in the declining fatality rates, despite the anticipated increase in drivers on the roads.
However, Kolosh cautions that risks remain. Instances of impaired driving and speeding often escalate during the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, approximately 30% of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver, a figure that rises to 35% during Thanksgiving weekend. Additionally, speeding accounted for 29% of traffic deaths during non-holiday times, jumping to 37% over the Thanksgiving period.
To promote safety, Kolosh advises drivers to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles provides ample time to respond to hazardous situations. For those consuming alcohol, designating a sober driver is critical to avoid driving under the influence. Furthermore, while about 91% of individuals already wear seat belts, achieving a 100% usage rate during the holiday could prevent numerous fatalities.
As the holiday approaches, travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys carefully, keeping in mind that safe driving practices can significantly impact the overall safety of the roads during this festive season. By remaining cautious and responsible, Americans can make their Thanksgiving travel both joyous and safe.