The National Safety Council is estimating the number of fatalities from car crashes will increase by as much as 7 percent this year over Thanksgiving weekend. As many as 421 people may be killed and another 48,500 may be seriously injured in car crashes during the Thanksgiving Day holiday, which begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26.
“While many of us are putting together grocery lists and travel plans for Thanksgiving, we can’t forget that long holiday weekends are particularly deadly on the roads,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “If you plan to celebrate, make smart decisions and commit to having a driver that is not impaired by alcohol or drugs behind the wheel. This Thanksgiving, let’s ensure everyone in every family arrives home safely.”
Historical trends show that on average, more than one-third of Thanksgiving Day holiday period fatalities involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Since the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known for its high volumes of both travel and alcohol consumption, the council is warning drivers to be particularly vigilant at the start of the holiday period. Research shows impairment begins with the first drink.
