Thanksgiving Traffic Accidents: What to Know Before You Hit the Road

Thanksgiving 2025 is on track to be one of the busiest travel periods in U.S. history, with over 81.8 million people expected to travel more than 50 miles, according to AAA. Nearly 90% of them will be driving. That level of congestion, especially combined with holiday stress, weather changes, and evening travel, contributes to a significant spike in crashes. 

“Every year around Thanksgiving, our phones ring more,” says Arthur Dermendjian, Managing Attorney of J&Y Law. “Sometimes it’s someone who slipped on a wet floor while they were out holiday gift shopping, or picking up last-minute ingredients. Other times it’s a crash on the way to dinner with loved ones. These are meant to be celebratory days, but they end badly for too many families.” 

When Is Thanksgiving Traffic at Its Worst?

The worst traffic days are Tuesday (Nov. 25) and Wednesday (Nov. 26), particularly from noon to 9:00 PM. The return trip crunch peaks on Sunday (Nov. 30), with extended delays nearly all day. Monday (Dec. 1) could also bring congestion as travelers overlap with regular commuters. If possible, leave early in the morning or wait until Saturday to drive home. 

Which California Highways Will Be Most Impacted?

If you’re driving in California, expect serious delays on: 

• I-5 North from Los Angeles to Bakersfield: Travel times could spike 147% on Wednesday evening, with the trip taking over 4 hours. 

• US-101 North from San Francisco to Santa Rosa: Tuesday night traffic may take 2.5 hours—more than double the norm. 

• I-15 North from San Diego to Palm Springs: A 5-hour crawl is likely on Wednesday afternoon. 

Other major bottlenecks include I-10 eastbound through the Inland Empire and Bay Area bridges like the Bay Bridge and San Mateo-Hayward Bridge. 

How Can I Avoid Thanksgiving Traffic Jams?

• Leave Early: Best times to drive are before noon on Tuesday and before 11:00 AM on Wednesday. Thanksgiving Day morning is also relatively clear. 

• Use Navigation Apps: Apps like Waze or Google Maps update in real time and can reroute you around backups. 

• Check Conditions: Visit Caltrans or 511.org before departing to check live traffic and incident updates. 

• Choose Offbeat Routes: Surface streets or alternate highways may actually save time if freeways are gridlocked. 

What Should I Do If I’m In a Crash During Thanksgiving Travel?

• Check for Injuries First: Safety first. Move to a secure location if possible and call 911. 

• Document Everything: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and all involved parties’ info. 

• Call a Car Accident Lawyer: Especially in a high-volume travel window, you’ll want guidance fast. At J&Y Law, we’ll help you navigate insurance claims and injury documentation. 

How Can I Reduce the Chances of a Thanksgiving Breakdown?

AAA responded to over 600,000 roadside incidents during last year’s Thanksgiving week. Before you leave: 

• Check your tire pressure and tread 

• Test your battery, especially if it’s more than 3 years old 

• Fill up your tank the night before 

• Pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, and water 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Thanksgiving Crashes?

• Rear-End Collisions in stop-and-go traffic 

• Drowsy Driving after long days or late departures 

• Impaired Driving post-celebration (DUI incidents spike this week) 

• Distracted Driving from phones, passengers, or GPS 

“Thanksgiving week is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road,” says Dermendjian. “Not just because of traffic volume, but because people are rushed, fatigued, and often emotionally distracted. We see a clear uptick in rear-end collisions and serious crashes, especially late Wednesday and Sunday nights.” 

What’s J&Y Law’s Best Advice for Thanksgiving Drivers?

Plan your route, prep your vehicle, and stay patient. Traffic will be heavy, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. If you’re in a crash, don’t panic. J&Y Law is here 24/7 through the holiday weekend. 

Need Help After a Holiday Crash?

Call J&Y Law at (877) 735-7035 for a free consultation. Our team has handled over 10,000 personal injury cases and we’re local to the California communities we serve.  

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you’ve been in a collision, consult an attorney to discuss your specific case.