Thanksgiving marks one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Families hit the road to visit loved ones, college students drive home for break, and highways across Virginia and North Carolina become packed with travelers. Unfortunately, with this seasonal spike in traffic also comes a rise in serious motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and insurance disputes.
If you or someone you love is driving this holiday season, understanding the risks—and what to do if an accident happens—can help protect your rights. At Slaughter & Lupton Law, we want you to enjoy a safe Thanksgiving, and we’re here to guide you through every step if the unexpected occurs.
Why Thanksgiving Weekend Is One of the Most Dangerous Times to Drive
The National Safety Council and state transportation agencies consistently report that Thanksgiving weekend ranks among the top holidays for car accidents, often due to:
- Increased Traffic Volume
The sheer number of vehicles on the road dramatically increases the likelihood of a collision. Long-distance highway travel is especially common in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Edenton, and surrounding communities.
- Distracted Driving
Travelers rely heavily on GPS, answer calls from family, or text while coordinating holiday plans. These distractions are leading causes of preventable crashes. Before you leave, set your navigation and silence unnecessary notifications. For more practical advice, read our guide to avoiding distracted driving.
- Fatigued or Late-Night Driving
Early-morning departures and late-night returns can lead to drowsy driving—one of the most underestimated dangers on the road.
- Drunk or Impaired Drivers
Thanksgiving Eve, often called “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday,” is consistently one of the nation’s biggest drinking nights. Unfortunately, this leads to a surge in alcohol-related accidents. If you or a loved one is injured by an impaired driver, learn more about DUI-related personal injury claims.
Read more about the National Safety Council’s Thanksgiving Day Holiday Period Estimate for 2025.
Top Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
Before you and your family begin your holiday trip, keep these essential safety tips in mind:
- Plan your route ahead of time to avoid unnecessary distractions.
- Check your vehicle, including tire pressure, brakes, wipers, and fluid levels.
- Limit distractions—designate a passenger to handle navigation or calls.
- Avoid driving when tired, and switch drivers on long trips.
- Never drive impaired, and always watch for drivers who may be.
- Leave early to avoid feeling rushed—haste is a major cause of holiday crashes.
Even when you do everything right, someone else’s poor decisions can change your holiday in seconds. That’s where we come in.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Thanksgiving Accident
If a collision occurs, prioritize safety and seek emergency assistance when needed. When it is safe to do so, exchange information, document the scene, and preserve relevant evidence. Our guide to using a dashcam to document an accident explains one potential source of recorded evidence.
If you were injured in a crash, our car accident injury lawyers can explain the legal options that may be available to you.
Why Injured Drivers Choose Slaughter & Lupton Law
For decades, Robert Slaughter, Everett Lupton, and David Moyer have helped accident victims. Our firm handles accident injuries throughout Virginia and North Carolina, focusing on serious injuries, wrongful death, and motor vehicle collisions. Families trust us because we are:
- Experienced trial attorneys who are ready to fight when negotiations fail.
- Compassionate advocates who guide you step by step.
- Community-driven, protecting the people who live and travel where we live and work.
- Efficient and clear communicators, making the legal process easy to understand.
When you’re dealing with pain, stress, and medical bills over a holiday, you deserve attorneys who treat your case like it matters—because it does.
Get the Help You Need This Thanksgiving
If you or a loved one is injured in a Thanksgiving-related accident, don’t wait. Timing matters, evidence matters, and your peace of mind matters.
Slaughter & Lupton Law is here for you.
📞 Call us today to schedule your free consultation and get the experienced legal guidance you need this holiday season.
The information contained in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship between you and Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC. Laws and legal procedures can change, and the law applicable to your situation may differ based on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Do not rely on this article as a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney.
