Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and 2025 is expected to set records for road congestion across New York. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds drivers that preparation and safe driving habits are essential to prevent tragedies during the holiday season. With millions of travelers heading to family gatherings, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Why Safety Matters This Thanksgiving
According to NHTSA, Thanksgiving travel brings a surge in traffic and an increase in impaired driving incidents. From 2018 to 2022, 833 people were killed in crashes involving alcohol during the Thanksgiving holiday period. In 2023 alone, 44% of those killed during Thanksgiving travel were not wearing seat belts. These numbers underscore the importance of planning ahead and making smart choices behind the wheel.
Key Safety Recommendations
NHTSA and New York State officials emphasize these critical steps for holiday travelers:
- Drive sober: Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and reaction time. If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver or use a rideshare service. “Buzzed driving is drunk driving” is more than a slogan—it’s a proven risk factor for fatal crashes.
- Avoid post-meal drowsiness: Large meals can lead to fatigue, which significantly impairs driving performance. Research shows that drowsy driving can mimic the effects of alcohol impairment, slowing reaction times and increasing lane deviations. If you feel sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner, take a walk, rest, or delay your trip.
- Plan ahead: Check your route for construction or closures. New York’s “Drivers First” initiative suspends most non-emergency roadwork during the holiday, but delays can still occur. Use apps like 511NY for real-time traffic updates.
- Wear seat belts: Seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% in passenger cars and 60% in light trucks. In 2023, nearly 50% of passenger vehicle occupants killed were unrestrained. Buckle up—every trip, every time.
Peak Travel Times in New York
Transportation experts predict the heaviest congestion on these dates and times:
- Worst times to drive:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday, Nov. 30: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Monday, Dec. 1: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Best times to drive:
- Tuesday & Wednesday: Before 11 AM
- Sunday: Before 11 AM
- Monday: After 8 PM
If you’re traveling from New York City to the Hamptons, expect the Long Island Expressway eastbound to take over 4 hours on Tuesday afternoon.
Travel Considerations
- Mass Transit: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) will expand service for Thanksgiving, but schedules vary—check their website before you travel.
- Metro Area Congestion: Anticipate gridlock from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening and again Sunday afternoon and evening. If possible, use public transportation to avoid delays.
Thanksgiving should be a time for gratitude and family—not preventable tragedies. By driving sober, buckling up, and planning ahead, you can help ensure a safe holiday for yourself and others on the road.
If you or a loved one suffers harm due to another driver’s negligence this holiday season, our Hudson Valley personal injury team is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation.