Millions of people travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, making it one of the busiest times of the year on the road. Whether you're driving across town or across the country, we want you to arrive safely. Always buckle up and don't drive impaired.

The consequences of not wearing a seat belt can be fatal. During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022, there were 326 people killed in traffic crashes — 43% were  unbuckled. Remember one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Seat belts save lives! 

Thanksgiving Eve and the Thanksgiving Holiday

The Thanksgiving period begins the night before the holiday, which is often reserved for meeting up with old friends — and may involve drinking. In 2022, 100 drivers were involved in fatal traffic crashes on Thanksgiving Eve — 35% of those drivers were drunk. 

Thanksgiving usually means spending quality time with loved ones, feeling grateful and, of course, food and drinks. From 2018-2022, 833 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, before you get behind the wheel, remember that even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person quickly. 
 

Drugs can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychoactive effects — can impact how a person drives. THC slows reaction time, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult for drivers to stay in their lane. 

By driving sober, buckling up every time, and making sure your passengers do the same, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones arrive to your holiday destination safe and sound. 

Tips to Get Home Safely

• Make a plan: Schedule a rideshare in advance or call a taxi.
• Have a sober friend pick you up. 
• Use public transportation.
• If you see a friend who is about to drink and drive, take their keys and let a sober driver get them home safely.
• See more tips to get home safely.

Tips for Hosts

• Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
• Prepare to call taxis or rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
• Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
• Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.