By Brian Dillon
Home & Travel Reporter
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U.S. drivers have been advised to be extra cautious when traveling during the upcoming holiday, as road deaths typically increase around Thanksgiving.
With families traveling great distances to be with each other on the holiday, Thanksgiving is a busy time of the year—for both road and air travel across the U.S.—and experts are predicting record-high traffic.
The National Safety Council has issued a fresh warning for those traveling by car for Thanksgiving in 2024, forecasting 502 fatalities in the country this year.
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NSC data showed that in 2021, there were 521 vehicle fatalities in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving period, the highest number since 2007, when 542 people died. "Holidays are also often cause for celebrations involving alcohol consumption, a major contributing factor to motor-vehicle crashes," the organization said in its warning.
In addition to road deaths, the NSC forecast 57,200 medically consulted injuries, which it described as injuries "serious enough that a medical professional was consulted."
The organization also said an estimated 199 lives could be saved this Thanksgiving period because people decided to wear their seat belts.
Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of every November. For its estimates, the NSC defines the holiday period as beginning on 6 p.m. Wednesday and ending on 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday.
"The holiday is always a 4.25-day weekend consisting of Wednesday evening, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In 2024 the Thanksgiving Day weekend extends from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1," the NSC said.
To make its predictions, the organization compares the holiday to periods of similar length in the weeks immediately before and after Thanksgiving Day weekend.
There is a historical trend of an increased number of road fatalities related to alcohol consumption during the Thanksgiving period compared to the rest of the year.
The NSC previously told Newsweek several things people should consider doing before deciding to drive or while driving:
- Prepare before you drive by checking the oil, putting air in tires, and repairing open recalls.
- Drive distraction-free by putting away cellphones.
- Do not exceed the speed limit and pay attention to people walking and cycling.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transport.
- Avoid fatigue driving and ensure you're well-rested before you get behind the wheel.
- Always wear a seat belt while driving—between 1975 and 2017, an estimated 374,276 lives have been saved by using seat belts.
- Protect vulnerable passengers and check the manufacturer's instructions before installing a child's safety seat.
- Look before you lock and make it a priority to see if any children remain inside the car.
- Understand your vehicle's safety systems.
- Take an alternative path and consider leaving the car at home if you are traveling a short distance.
- Watch for all road users and respect everyone around by giving them space to be safe.
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