Amid constant flight changes and chaotic air travel, more and more holiday-goers are opting to drive. 

On the eve of Thanksgiving, commonly known as ‘Blackout Wednesday,’ drivers should be cautious. This is one of the most dangerous nights to be on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the death toll during Thanksgiving activities from 2019 to 2023 was 868. This number represents 35% of traffic crashes during that time frame. 

During the Thanksgiving holiday (6 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday) in 2023, 174 people died in drunk-driving-related crashes, with ages 21-34 the most commonly involved at 37%. Thirty of these drivers were on the road on Thanksgiving eve. 

This year, AAA projects that 90% of Thanksgiving travelers will drive, totaling 73 million people behind the wheel, and that 81.8 million travelers will travel in total. Due to recent flight cancellations, this number is expected to keep rising. 

"This year’s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record," said AAA. 

Alongside drunk driving lies a more subtle, silent safety killer: no seatbelts. 

309 vehicle occupants were killed during Thanksgiving weekend in 2023. 44% of them were not wearing a seatbelt. The time of day doesn’t matter: 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes were unbuckled, as well as 38% of those killed in daytime crashes.

Here’s how to reduce some risk during your holiday travel plans: 

1. Slow down

2. Reduce the following distance

3. Always wear your seatbelt