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Planning a Thanksgiving Road Trip? Read These Safety Tips First

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Thanksgiving week is a risky time to drive. These safety tips can reduce your risk.

 

Thanksgiving Travel in Texas: Staying Safe on the Busiest Driving Week of the Year

Holiday travel is meant to be a time to unwind, enjoy, and reconnect with loved ones. But Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest—and most dangerous—travel periods of the year in Texas. With more vehicles on the road, the risk of car accidents increases sharply.

Before you pack for your trip, make sure you’re prepared. This article explains why car crashes spike during Thanksgiving week and what you can do to stay safe—and protect your rights if you’re injured in one.

Why Thanksgiving Week Is More Dangerous for Texas Drivers

Millions of Texans hit the road each Thanksgiving to visit family and friends, often traveling long distances in a short time. Unfortunately, that rush—combined with fatigue, distraction, and alcohol—leads to a rise in crashes statewide.

Common causes of Thanksgiving accidents include:

  • Drowsy Driving — Many drivers head out right after work or return home late at night, leading to exhaustion and slower reaction times.

  • Distracted Driving — Checking GPS, texting relatives, or dealing with backseat chaos all take your eyes off the road.

  • Impaired Driving — “Blackout Wednesday,” the night before Thanksgiving, is known as one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period from 2019 to 2023.²

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Highway Travel

Thanksgiving memories should be about laughter, not life-threatening moments. Before hitting the road, take these extra steps to make your trip safer for everyone in the car.

1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Road-Ready

Schedule a quick inspection before your trip. Check tire pressure and tread, oil and coolant levels, wiper blades, and brake performance. Make sure your headlights and brake lights are working, especially since Texas roads can get busy after dark.

2. Pack an Emergency and First Aid Kit

Unexpected breakdowns can happen anywhere. Keep a flashlight, jumper cables, blanket, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a basic first aid kit in your trunk. Add a phone charger and a reflective triangle or flares for visibility in case of a roadside stop.

3. Share Your Travel Plans

Let someone know your route, destination, and expected arrival time. If you get delayed or encounter car trouble in a rural area, this information can help family or authorities locate you quickly.

4. Check Weather and Traffic Before You Go

Thanksgiving weather in Texas can be unpredictable — from heavy rain to foggy mornings. Check forecasts before leaving, and monitor TxDOT updates for traffic advisories or construction zones. If conditions worsen, delay travel until it’s safe.

5. Rest Before Long Drives

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of holiday crashes. Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep before you drive, and stop every 2–3 hours to stretch or switch drivers. Signs of drowsiness—like drifting lanes or heavy eyelids—mean it’s time to pull over.

6. Buckle Up, Slow Down, and Stay Sober

Seat belts save lives, and speeding reduces your reaction time dramatically in traffic. Also remember: one drink can still impair your driving. If you plan to celebrate before driving home, assign a designated driver or call a rideshare.

7. Avoid Distractions

Keep your phone on Do Not Disturb, and set up your GPS before you leave. Ask a passenger to handle directions or messages if possible. Distraction—even for a few seconds—can cause a serious accident on crowded highways.

8. Handle Problems Safely

If you experience a flat tire or mechanical issue, pull over as far as possible onto the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights, stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on, and call roadside assistance or 911 if needed. Avoid standing near traffic lanes.

Bottom Line:
These small actions can’t guarantee an accident-free trip, but they greatly reduce the risks during one of Texas’s busiest travel weeks. A few minutes of preparation can make the difference between a safe arrival and a serious accident.

What to Do After a Crash on a Texas Highway

If you’re involved in a crash, these steps can protect both your safety and your legal rights:

  1. Call 911 immediately for medical help and to report the accident.

  2. Document everything — take photos, gather witness statements, and exchange contact information with other drivers.

  3. Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries, as some symptoms may appear later.

  4. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.

  5. Consult a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment.

Get a more detailed breakdown of what to do if you’re injured in an accident while traveling for Thanksgiving here → I Got Into an Accident on Thanksgiving. What Should I Do?

Injured in a Thanksgiving Travel Accident? Call Shaw.

Thanksgiving should be a time for family, not recovery from a preventable accident. If you or a loved one has been injured while traveling this holiday due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Ambulance Costs

  • ER Treatment

  • Surgeries

  • Medical Bills

  • Pain and Suffering

  • Property Damage

  • Lost Wages

  • Wrongful Death

  • And More

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our Texas personal injury attorneys.
No fees. No obligations. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

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