Thanksgiving is Deadliest Travel Day
Nov. 25, 2009 – Driving along U.S. roadways on the Thanksgiving Holiday was about five times deadlier than on the average day last year, making it the deadliest travel day in the United States, according to a recent federal report.
Some 502 people died while traveling on U.S. roadways during the 2008 Thanksgiving Holiday, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 502 fatalities is nearly five times the daily average of 102 deaths on U.S. roadways in 2008, according to AAA.
A combination of increased roadway travel and alcohol consumption is the primary reason Thanksgiving ranked as the deadliest holiday last year.
“More vehicles create greater conflict potential. And unfortunately, during holiday times, celebratory actions, people drink and get out on the road, and that leads to a problem, too,” according to AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair. U.S. roadways see an about 50 percent increase in traffic on Thanksgiving compared to normal travel days, he added.
Although about five times above the normal daily average for roadway deaths, the 502 fatalities reported last year were less than the prior 26-year average of 556 highway fatalities on Thanksgiving Day. Sinclair attributed higher gas prices last year with lowering the number of people traveling last Thanksgiving and subsequent highway deaths. But with gas prices average $2.63 per gallon this year, he anticipates more people and more deaths this year.
Of people traveling during the Thanksgiving Holiday, about 91 percent will travel by car, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The average distance traveled will be 214 miles. The average distance driven during Christmas and New Year’s is 275 miles while the national average is 261 miles during other times of the year.
On average, holiday travel is at least four times deadlier than normal, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And alcohol plays a role in at least 41 percent of all holiday traffic fatalities.
New Year’s and Christmas have the lowest average highway fatalities among the six most-traveled holidays with an average of 401 and 414 deaths, respectively, each year since 1982. Labor Day has the second-deadliest travel date after Thanksgiving with an annual average of 544 highway fatalities. Some 487 people died in traffic accidents on Labor Day in 2008.
Independence Day 2008 saw 491 people die on U.S. roadways – down from its average of 542. Memorial Day had 425 fatalities – 83 fewer than its average of 508 deaths since 1982.
While the top four holidays for vehicular deaths posted lower-than-average fatalities last year, Christmas and New Year’s saw slight increases. Some 420 people died in traffic accidents on Christmas Day 2008, six more than the holiday’s average of 414. New Year’s Day had 423 fatalities – 22 more than its 401 average.
AAA Projects First Decline in Thanksgiving Travel Since 2002
Nov. 25, 2008 – AAA officials predict a slight decline in the number of Americans traveling during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The auto insurer says 41 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a decrease of about 600,000 travelers and 1.4 percent from last year’s total of 41.6 million. The predicted decline would be the first reduction in Thanksgiving holiday travel since 2002 and the fourth consecutive travel holiday to see a decline in the annual number of travelers.
“The overall state of the economy continues to present real challenges for some Americans looking to travel this Thanksgiving,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “However, the desire to spend time with family, combined with significantly lower gasoline prices than earlier this year, will provide a strong impetus for many Americans to travel this holiday season.”
AAA research indicates more 33.2 million Americans expect to travel by car during the holiday, down from the 33.6 million people who drove a year ago. Nearly 4.54 million plan to travel by airplane, a 7.2 percent decrease from the 4.89 million travelers who flew last year. More than three million Americans intend to travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation, which is an increase of 5.8 percent compared to the 3.08 million who traveled by a means other than car or plane in 2007.
Holiday drivers will find their travels aided by increasingly lower gas prices. AAA reports the national average for self-serve regular gasoline is $2.07 per gallon – 88 cents less than a month ago and $1.03 less than a year ago.
AAA officials do say Thanksgiving holiday travelers can expect to pay more for airfares and car rentals this year. Air passengers can expect airfares about 8 percent higher than last year, and most airlines continue to charge fees for checked baggage and other services. On average, car rental prices are four percent higher than a year ago, but car rental rates vary from location to location. AAA research shows some cities have had significant car rental rate increases compared to last year while others are showing significant decreases.
While some travel options have risen in costs, AAA officials say Thanksgiving travelers across the country will find bargains at hotels this year. Rates for AAA Three Diamond hotels are down an average of 10 percent compared to last year.