Thanksgiving is statistically one of the most dangerous travel periods in the United States. In 2025 and early 2026 data, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving remains the day with the highest risk of motor vehicle collisions, with crashes spiking by 15% nationally and up to 50% in regions like the Northeast. This is due to a combination of high traffic volume (nearly 80 million travelers), driver fatigue, and increased instances of impaired driving. To stay safe, data shows that Thanksgiving Day itself is the safest day for long-distance travel, with crash counts averaging 32% lower than a typical Thursday. If you must drive on Wednesday, the safest window is between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. In 2026, traffic authorities also recommend utilizing real-time GPS apps to avoid known congestion bottlenecks and to stay alert for aggressive driving, as the "rush to the table" often leads to decreased patience and increased speed on major interstate highways.