National Safety Council Estimates 485 Fatalities May Occur On Roadways During Thanksgiving Holiday Period

NSC monthly analysis has shown that the roads have become deadlier despite less traffic. While the number of fatalities dropped dramatically in the spring, the U.S. experienced a significant rise in the death rate – a statistic that shows how safe the roads are at any given time. In the first six months of 2020, the death rate was 20% higher than during the same period in 2019, despite a 17% drop in miles driven between January and June. Overall, motor vehicle fatalities are up an estimated 5% through September, with approximately 30,390 people killed since January.  

This particular year’s Thanksgiving holiday period estimate is subject to enhanced volatility, with a wider statistical confidence interval than usual, because of trends in 2020.

“We’ve noted several times this year that open roads should not be an open invitation for reckless driving,” said Lorraine M. Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “We urge drivers to remain vigilant about their own safety if they decide to travel. If every driver would slow down, buckle up, drive sober and pay attention, we could have a holiday of zero fatalities, which is the only acceptable number.”

Alcohol often is a major factor in fatal crashes during holiday weekends, including Thanksgiving. In 2018 – the most recent year for data – 31% of fatal crashes during the holiday period involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Tips for safer Thanksgiving travel include:

• Practice defensive driving. Buckle up, designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation, get plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue, and drive attentively, avoiding distractions.
• Recognize the dangers of drugged driving, including impairment from cannabis, opioids and other substances
• Stay engaged in teens’ driving habits with tips from DriveitHOME.org
• Learn about your vehicle’s safety systems and how to use them – resources are available at MyCarDoesWhat.org
• Fix recalls immediately, and find out if your vehicle is impacted by using ChecktoProtect.org
• Get involved in the Road to Zero Coalition, a group of more than 1,500 organizations across the country focused on eliminating roadway deaths by 2050. Visit nsc.org/roadtozero to join.

Supplemental traffic fatality estimates information can be found here.