About One-Third of Thanksgiving Road Deaths Involve Alcohol

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 439 people may die in road accidents during this Thanksgiving holiday period. With 73.3 million drivers expected to travel as families head out to see loved ones, there is a heightened risk of collisions. Holiday celebrations also often involve alcohol consumption, a major contributing factor in crash fatalities. Thanksgiving Day falls on November 27 this year, marking the fourth Thursday of November, and the official holiday travel period runs from 6 p.m. on Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that Thanksgiving-related road deaths have generally trended downwards in recent years, mirroring broader declines in motor-vehicle fatalities. The NSC projects a continued drop in 2025: a 12 percent decrease from 2024, when 502 Thanksgiving road deaths were estimated. Although yearly totals fluctuate, NSC projections typically align closely with the actual numbers recorded.

Still, 439 lives lost is far too many, especially since these deaths are preventable. AAA and MADD are reminding drivers of the dangers of impaired driving ahead of the holiday. According to the NHTSA, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving holiday periods between 2018 and 2023, accounting for more than one-third of all Thanksgiving-related traffic fatalities during those years. Officials urge anyone planning to drink to arrange a sober driver, use rideshare services, or rely on public transportation.

Authorities also stress the importance of seatbelt use. Seatbelts are estimated to prevent fatalities for front-seat passenger-car occupants in 45 percent of cases. This Thanksgiving, 157 are expected to be saved thanks to people wearing their seatbelts, while a further 111 could be saved if everyone wears them.