Why Thanksgiving Is One of the Deadliest Holidays

Thanksgiving is a time to relax with family, reflect on what we’re grateful for, and enjoy a long weekend. For all its warmth and tradition, this holiday carries a hidden danger: it’s consistently one of the deadliest times of the year to be on the road. 

In Wisconsin and across the U.S., crashes, injuries, and fatalities spike during Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you’re planning to host dinner or travel out of town, understanding the risks can help you stay safer this season—and know what to do if something goes wrong.

Why Is Thanksgiving So Dangerous?

Several factors make the Thanksgiving weekend especially risky for drivers and passengers. The combination of nationwide travel, poor road conditions, and alcohol consumption contributes to a dramatic spike in car accidents and fatalities.

Here are some of the main reasons Thanksgiving is so dangerous: 

• Travel volume: AAA estimates that more than 55 million Americans travel for Thanksgiving each year, most of them by car.
• Drinking and driving: Thanksgiving Eve, known as “Blackout Wednesday,” is one of the most alcohol-heavy nights of the year.
• Early winter weather: In Wisconsin, snow and ice often arrive by late November, making road conditions more hazardous.
• Fatigue: Long-distance travel, late-night driving, and heavy meals all increase the risk of drowsy driving.

Taken together, these elements create a high-stakes driving environment, especially in regions prone to snow and ice.

Deadliest Travel Days: What Makes Wednesday and Sunday So Risky?

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are consistently among the most dangerous travel days of the year. On Wednesday, millions of people hit the road at the same time, often after work and into the night. Sunday evening brings a surge of tired, distracted, or hungover drivers rushing home to prepare for the workweek.

These high-volume travel windows often coincide with the season’s first snowstorms in Wisconsin, further increasing the chances of a serious collision. When roads are slick and drivers are stressed or fatigued, even a minor mistake can lead to a major crash.

Holiday Collisions and Their Causes

Understanding the most frequent causes of holiday collisions can help drivers and passengers avoid becoming part of next year’s statistics. The most common contributors to Thanksgiving weekend crashes include:

• Drunk driving: About one-third of fatal Thanksgiving weekend crashes involve alcohol.
• Distracted driving: With longer trips, more passengers, and frequent GPS use, distractions behind the wheel are a serious issue.
• Fatigue: Long hours on the road—often after a big meal or a late night—can result in drowsy driving.
• Poor weather conditions: Slick or snow-covered roads are common in Wisconsin this time of year, especially in the northern part of the state.

These risks can’t be eliminated entirely, but understanding them gives you a better chance of staying safe behind the wheel.

Drunk Driving and Thanksgiving: A Lethal Mix

Alcohol plays a major role in Thanksgiving weekend traffic deaths. “Blackout Wednesday” has become notorious for heavy drinking, especially among younger adults returning to their hometowns. Unfortunately, many still choose to drive afterward.

Nationally, about one in three fatal crashes over Thanksgiving involve alcohol. In Wisconsin, where OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) laws are taken seriously, law enforcement agencies ramp up patrols during the holiday to deter impaired driving.

Despite increased enforcement, crashes continue to happen. If you plan to drink over the holiday, make arrangements in advance: use a rideshare, assign a sober driver, or stay overnight.

Other Common Holiday Dangers

While car accidents are the most well-known risk during the Thanksgiving holiday, they’re not the only hazards that can lead to injury. With more people cooking, traveling, and gathering indoors, other dangers become more prominent—especially in colder states like Wisconsin.

Some of the most common non-traffic holiday injuries include:

• Slip and falls: Snow, ice, and slushy entryways make slips a frequent cause of injury—especially in driveways, parking lots, and crowded stores.
• Burns and kitchen accidents: Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S. Grease fires, knife injuries, and scalds from hot liquids all increase during meal prep.
• Retail-related injuries: Black Friday crowds can lead to pushing, falls, or even trampling in extreme cases.
• Fireplace and space heater incidents: Cold weather leads to more home heating-related accidents, particularly if fireplaces or space heaters are improperly used or maintained.

Even in a season of gratitude, these risks serve as a reminder to stay alert and take simple precautions—whether you’re on the road, in the kitchen, or welcoming guests into your home.

How To Stay Safe During Thanksgiving Travel

You don’t have to cancel your travel plans to stay safe. By making a few smart choices, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a serious accident over the holiday. Here’s how:

• Avoid peak travel times, especially Wednesday afternoon and Sunday evening.
• Choose a sober driver or use a rideshare service if you plan to drink.
• Prepare your vehicle by checking tire pressure, brakes, and windshield wipers.
• Watch the forecast and delay your trip if snow or ice is in the forecast.
• Take breaks during long drives to stay refreshed and alert behind the wheel.

Small, preventative steps like these can make a big difference in avoiding unnecessary injuries and keeping the holiday focused on what matters most.

What To Do if You’re Involved in a Thanksgiving Accident

If you’re hurt in a crash over Thanksgiving weekend, take action right away to protect your health and your rights:

• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Document the scene with photos and notes if you’re able.
• Get medical care, even if you don’t feel seriously injured at the time.
• Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with other drivers.
• Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

The hours and days after an accident are critical. Seeking legal guidance early helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and build a stronger case.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for Help

No one plans to spend Thanksgiving recovering from an accident, but if you’re injured, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Between insurance claims, medical expenses, and time off work, the stress can pile up quickly. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With legal support, you can focus on healing while your attorney handles the rest. 

Call Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.

Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
308 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356

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