Facts and Statistics About Thanksgiving Drunk Driving Accidents
It is estimated that 518 people could die on the roads this Thanksgiving holiday period. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), this will be the largest number of deaths since 2007. The Thanksgiving holiday begins Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 6:00 pm and extends to Sunday, November 27, 2022, at 11:59 pm.
The day before Thanksgiving has been called Blackout Wednesday since many people choose to drink the night before the traditional holiday. Unfortunately, a large number of traffic fatalities occur on that night.
Previous Year Data
As reported by the NSC, it is believed that somewhere between 452 and 588 people could die on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period. In 2020, the NSC estimated that there would be 485 deaths during this time period with a confidence interval of between 380 and 599. Data shows that there were 496 traffic-related fatalities during that year, slightly higher than the NSC estimation.
While data regarding the actual number of deaths during the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday period is not yet in, the NSC estimated that there would be 515 fatalities with a confidence interval of 445 to 589.
This Thanksgiving make sure you get home safe and sound. Designate a sober driver and make sure that you don’t allow intoxicated friends and family to get behind the wheel. Lives can be saved by making smart choices. Offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options at your festivities and make a plan for people who may be impaired.