Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 32% of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2022, according to NSC data. That percentage jumps to 35% during Thanksgiving weekend. However, alcohol isn’t the only threat. “It’s alcohol, but also drugs, fatigue, and a combination thereof that can all cause impairment,” said Mark Chung, NSC’s executive vice president of roadway practice.
Chung emphasized the importance of making safe decisions before driving during the holiday: “Choose to drive awake and sober or arrange an alternative mode of transportation; lives depend on it.”
The NSC is urging drivers to adopt key safety measures, including wearing seat belts, slowing down, avoiding distractions, and practicing defensive driving. Communities and policymakers are also encouraged to rethink road design under the Safe System Approach, a strategy that addresses safety holistically through measures like safer vehicles, lower speeds, and post-crash care.
For additional safety tips and resources, visit nsc.org/saferoads.
About the National Safety Council
The NSC has been advocating for safety on America’s roads and in workplaces for over 110 years. As a nonprofit, it aims to eliminate preventable deaths and injuries, fostering a culture of safety that extends beyond the workplace and into everyday life.
Stay informed and drive safely this holiday season. Lives depend on it.