According to the National Safety Council, during the Thanksgiving holiday, 502 persons could lose their lives in avoidable traffic accidents. Impaired driving is especially concerning during this period, which starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and ends on Sunday, Dec. 1. In 2022, alcohol-impaired deaths accounted for 32% of all traffic deaths nationwide. Thirty-five percent of fatalities during Thanksgiving Day included a driver under the influence of alcohol.
“It’s alcohol, but also drugs, fatigue, and a combination thereof that can all cause impairment,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC.
“While a special emphasis is on a celebration such as Thanksgiving this time of year, it’s crucial to make safe choices before you hit the road every time. Choose to drive awake and sober or arrange an alternative mode of transportation; lives depend on it.”
In addition to driving without impairment, NSC urges drivers to buckle up, slow down, drive without distraction, and practice defensive driving. For more safe driving tips, visit nsc.org/saferoads.
The Council also urges states and communities to assess road design to establish the safest transportation systems. This is a component of the Safe System Approach, which looks at road safety holistically, encompassing safe road users, cars, speeds, and efficient post-crash care.
To learn more about how leading roadway safety organizations use the Safe System Approach to achieve zero traffic fatalities in the U.S., please visit nsc.org/roadtozero. Review supplemental information about the Thanksgiving Day holiday fatality estimates and additional motor vehicle data and research at injuryfacts.nsc.org
