Thanksgiving is a cherished American holiday, a time for gratitude, where families come together and have bountiful feasts. According to Statista, 83% of Americans celebrated Thanksgiving in 2023. Conversely, 8% of Americans said they did not want to do it in the same year. That means most Americans are excited about the event.
This annual tradition brings millions of people close and thus requires extensive travel. The nation’s roads and highways experience a considerable increase in traffic as families and friends travel to reunite. This surge in travel, combined with potentially hazardous weather conditions and the pressures of holiday stress, can lead to increased risks of road accidents.
Both travelers and authorities must prioritize safety and preparedness throughout the Thanksgiving holiday season. This article explains why the roads in the US become accident-prone during Thanksgiving week.
Increase in Traffic Volume
There is a substantial rise in road travel due to Thanksgiving in the US. The increase in traffic volume can result in more frequent traffic jams and longer travel times, especially in metropolitan areas.
Statista revealed that the number of people traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. increased to 55.37 million in 2023. This surge impacts road safety, with a notable increase in traffic violations and accidents.
Travelers can mitigate these risks by planning trips during off-peak hours and adhering to safe driving protocols to ensure a safe holiday journey.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Late November often brings rough weather conditions that can significantly affect Thanksgiving travel. Some of the prevalent issues include snow, ice, and heavy rain, which can lead to disastrous driving situations. Snow and ice cause tires to lose grip, therefore making it hard for drivers to maintain control over their vehicles. Similarly, rain can lead to hydroplaning and poor visibility.
These adverse weather conditions can heighten the risk associated with accidents. Such conditions can increase stopping distances and make roads slippery. Families must remain cautious and prepared for the unforeseen weather that accompanies the holiday season.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Road safety is threatened during Thanksgiving due to the significant rise in impaired and distracted driving. The use of mobile devices for communication and navigation during the holiday season contributes to the rise in distracted driving. Furthermore, “Blackout Wednesday”, the night before Thanksgiving, is famous for high alcohol consumption. It often leads to increased incidents of impaired driving.
A study published in Traffic Safety Marketing in 2022 revealed that there were 184 deaths associated with vehicle crashes during the Thanksgiving season. These crashes involved one or more drivers with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. Also, impaired drivers in the age group of 21-34 years were overrepresented in the risky drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving.
Long-Distance Travel and Driver Fatigue
Friends and families travel across states to get together for Thanksgiving, which often involves long road trips. These lengthy journeys significantly increase the risk of driver fatigue, a serious hazard on the roads.
Fatigue can derail a driver’s reaction time, ability to make sound decisions, and overall alertness. Driver fatigue is the potential cause of accidents. The dangers are particularly acute when driving at night or after consuming heavy meals, which are common during holidays.
Drivers should focus on getting sound sleep before going on their journey to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Moreover, they should take frequent breaks every two hours or 100 miles and share responsibilities for driving when possible. It is best to avoid driving during their usual hours of sleep.
They should also be aware of signs of fatigue, such as frequent yawning or difficulty in paying attention. Drivers experiencing these symptoms should find a safe area to take a break and rest. This will ensure that everyone is safe on the road during this exhausting travel period.
Increased Risk-Taking Behavior
Travelers often resort to unsafe driving practices like speedy and aggressive driving because of a sense of urgency to reach their close ones. The holiday rush fosters these tendencies as everyone wants to make the most of their time with loved ones. There is an increased risk of accidents as drivers may disregard traffic rules or make unsafe decisions to save time.
Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
Travelers must focus on careful planning and preparation to enjoy a safe Thanksgiving journey. You can begin by regularly checking weather forecasts and road conditions along your route. It helps you plan your trip in advance to avoid peak traffic hours.
Also, make sure your vehicle is in good condition, with properly inflated tires and all systems functioning well. Get enough rest before driving and take regular breaks during long trips to overcome fatigue. Strictly follow traffic laws, including speed limits and the use of seatbelts, and avoid distractions like mobile phones.
Some roads and highways are more dangerous than others, and Atlanta is among them. A news report revealed that traffic crashes led to 14 fatalities in Georgia on Thanksgiving day, 2023. This happened when a pickup truck collided with a van on a state highway in South Georgia. The mishap shows that the impact on road safety during this period is considerable.
Residents of the state and people traveling to meet their loved ones in Atlanta should be extra cautious. They should also know their rights in case they face an accident due to someone else’s negligence.
Fortunately, personal injury laws allow an injured person to demand legal remedies. For example, in this case, an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney can make sure that the injured travelers get fairly compensated. They can do it by representing the victims in a personal injury lawsuit.
Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm discusses how these legal services can help victims get fair compensation. These attorneys advocate for wrongfully injured travelers due to someone else’s neglect on the road. They also provide valuable knowledge and resources to help victims make informed choices through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which common blunders do drivers make during Thanksgiving travel?
Some of the common mistakes include driving while tired, speeding to reach destinations quickly, and using a phone or talking while driving. Overlooking adverse weather conditions and not paying attention to vehicle maintenance before long trips are also big blunders.
In what ways do safety features in cars and navigation apps help improve safety during road trips?
The use of technology increases safety by providing real-time traffic updates, hands-free navigation, weather alerts, and advanced driver assistance systems. This helps drivers to stay focused and decreases the risk of accidents. They also enable drivers to find a way to avoid rush-hour traffic.
What actions can local government bodies take to improve road safety during Thanksgiving?
Local authorities can increase police surveillance, implement traffic management protocols, and suspend road works to prevent mishaps during the high-traffic season. They can also launch public awareness programs, provide traffic updates, and set up sobriety checkpoints to increase road safety.
Thanksgiving week brings heightened risks on American roads due to these elements. Families and friends should prioritize road safety awareness. Knowing about these risks helps them to plan carefully, adhere to traffic laws, and make responsible choices to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Ultimately, the goal is to make sure that everyone reaches their loved ones safely to have joyful holiday celebrations. Remember, arriving safely is far more crucial than arriving early during this festive season.
Morgan Reid, with an MBA and a decade in business strategy, specializes in boosting company performance and operational efficiency. Known for practical insights, Morgan contributes to publications and speaks at industry events, blending expertise with a passion for tech and business innovation.
