JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Data from a technology company revealed that vehicle crash risk increased by 65% on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, making today one of the most dangerous days for road travel this year.
The heightened risk comes as AAA reports nearly 82 million Americans are traveling at least 50 miles from home during this holiday period, marking an increase of over 1.5 million travelers compared to last year.
“The stats really put this into perspective that it’s not just, hey, this is kind of a dangerous time. The stats come back and really sink that in, that it is a dangerous and deadly time,” Tom Hackney, News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst, said.
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This year’s travel patterns show a distinct shift, partially influenced by the recent government shutdown. Many travelers opted for road trips instead of flights due to earlier uncertainties about air travel.
“You think back a few weeks when people had really worried a great deal about whether they would be able to travel for the holidays,” Hackney said. “People had to make that decision about what they’re doing and not buy airline tickets when there was some uncertainty with it.”
With more vehicles on the road, Hackney emphasizes the importance of increased vigilance. Drivers need to be particularly mindful of delivery drivers, commercial trucks, and potentially impaired drivers.
“Pay attention to the road, pay attention to what you’re doing. Yours and other lives depend on it,” Hackney stressed.
The holiday travel period extends through New Year’s Day, and the combination of various risk factors makes this time particularly hazardous.
“It’s the time to be extra careful,” Hackney said.
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