AAA Warning for Millions of Americans on Busiest Travel D...

By Jasmine Laws

US News Reporter

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The American Automobile Association (AAA) has warned millions of Americans who plan on traveling over Thanksgiving that the roads can be "particularly deadly" during the holiday period, which is the single busiest time for travel.

"As drivers prepare to get behind the wheel, AAA and MADD remind travelers about the dangers of impaired driving," the association told Newsweek, referring to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "This time of year can be particularly deadly on the roads."

Why It Matters

Many Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving. AAA has projected that almost 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period, spanning from November 25 to December 1.

This is a 1.6 million increase on last year's projection, setting a new overall record, the association said.

With the significant uptick in travel during this period, there is usually also an increase in the number of road-related accidents, which is heightened as more Americans may drive while under the influence of alcohol.

Heavy traffic in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

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What To Know

The association pointed to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, finding that between 2019 and 2023, the death toll in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving festivities was 868, representing more than one-third of all fatalities in traffic crashes during that holiday period.

AAA said travelers should therefore "have a plan in place before Thanksgiving, and use a rideshare, designate a sober driver, or take public transit to ensure everyone's safety."

The association added that drivers should seek to travel in the morning to avoid the worst of the traffic, and they should keep in mind that construction, crashes or severe weather can affect travel times.

"Slow down, move over for emergency responders and other stopped vehicles on the side of the road to ensure everyone's safety," AAA added.

The association also told Newsweek that last Thanksgiving, it responded to almost 600,000 roadside assistance calls to help stranded drivers with issues such as dead batteries, flat tires and empty fuel tanks.

AAA's warning also comes shortly after the National Safety Council released its estimate on the number of people who may die on U.S. roads over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

The council predicted that 439 people could die—a 12 percent decrease from last year's estimation of 502. The NSC said the estimates were consistent with current motor-vehicle fatality trends.

An NSC spokesperson told Newsweek that the council was "encouraged to see progress this year." They added that the 2025 estimates represented the lowest number since 2019, which showed "real movement in the right direction."

"Drivers are making better choices. Communities are prioritizing roadway safety. The trend gives us real hope that we can reach zero traffic deaths. We're not there yet, but we're headed in the right direction," the spokesperson said.

However, they added that "every one of those deaths is preventable, and every loss represents a family changed forever."

The NSC spokesperson advised that travelers wear their seat belts on every trip, choose a sober driver, and stay focused behind the wheel. "These simple actions save lives and help families stay whole this holiday," they added.

On its website, the NSC highlighted the importance of wearing seat belts, saying that when used, they are 45 percent effective in preventing fatalities among front-seat passenger car occupants, and that about 157 lives may be saved this Thanksgiving because vehicle occupants wear their seat belts.

The council added that an additional 111 lives could be saved if everyone wore seat belts.

What People Are Saying

A National Safety Council spokesperson told Newsweek: "The holiday brings more vehicles on the road as people travel to see family and loved ones. The real concern is impaired driving, which increases during Thanksgiving. Alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in 35 percent of holiday traffic deaths, compared to 30 percent the rest of the year. More traffic combined with more impaired drivers creates heightened risk. But here's the important part: We can prevent these crashes through the choices we make behind the wheel."

They added: "This holiday is about being with the people who matter most. Help everyone get there safely. Before you travel, check your vehicle. Decide on a sober driver before the celebration starts. Keep your attention on driving. Make sure everyone buckles up. If you're hosting, think about how guests will get home. Offer to call a ride or let them stay over. When we look out for each other on the roads, more families stay together. That's worth the extra effort."

What Happens Next

According to AAA, the best time to travel to avoid the worst of the holiday traffic is before midday on Tuesday, before 11 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday, and after 8 p.m. on Monday.

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