As families and friends prepare to gather for the Thanksgiving holiday, the roads around New York City are expected to be busier than ever. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between Tuesday, November 25 and Monday, December 1 — setting a new record. For the vast majority of those travellers — nearly 90 percent — that means driving.
At the same time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that what is more preventable than inevitable is the human risk that comes with heavy‐roadway volume, fatigue, impaired driving and unbuckled passengers.
Given this convergence of heavy travel, you should plan your journey thoughtfully. When thousands of vehicles share major corridors under time pressure and sometimes relaxed judgement, the chances of a serious traffic‐related incident increase — and that’s where our firm’s experience matters.
Why this year may be especially demanding on local roads
Experts observing the New York metro travel market are already sounding alarms. One regional publication calls upcoming traffic “worse than anything we’ve ever seen.” More specifically, traffic analysts report that in major urban markets (including New York) midday and early‐evening departures in the days ahead could see congestion well above normal. Traffic data firm INRIX has shown that on peak days the delay times may more than double compared to typical conditions.
In short: heavy flow + more drivers + time pressure = more risk.
Our top safety and planning recommendations
Here are key steps every driver and passenger should take—especially during this high‐volume week:
- Drive sober. NHTSA underscores that any amount of alcohol or substances can impair reaction time, lane discipline and attention — especially under intense driving conditions.
– If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver, reserve a rideshare ahead of time, or use public transit.
– If you see someone preparing to drive under the influence, take action: take the keys, arrange a ride for them, or contact local enforcement. - Avoid post‐meal drowsiness. Thanksgiving week often means large portions and irregular schedules. Starting a long drive immediately after a heavy meal plus holiday anticipation can reduce alertness. Instead: give yourself a rest break, take a walk, stretch, let digestion settle, and drive when you’re fully alert.
- Plan ahead.
– Map your route in advance and check for road construction, closures or real‐time incidents.
– Allow extra time for the journey — do not assume typical travel time applies.
– Monitor your vehicle: ensure tires, battery, lights, wipers are all in good shape; AAA has flagged that the increase in travel means more roadside assistance calls.
– For passengers: make sure everyone knows the plan, pick‐up/drop‐off point, who is driving, and have a backup. - Wear seat belts. Every occupant, in every seat, every trip. NHTSA reports that during the 2023 Thanksgiving travel period, 44 % of fatalities involved occupants not buckled.
– Use proper restraints for children and smaller passengers.
– If you’re a passenger and notice someone is not wearing a belt or driving distracted, speak up.
Peak and best travel times for the NY metro area
While local conditions will vary, analysts and sources point to especially heavy volume during these windows:
- Worst times to be behind the wheel:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: noon – 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1: noon – 8 p.m.
- Best times to drive:
- Tuesday: before 11 a.m.
- Wednesday: before 11 a.m.
- Sunday: before 11 a.m.
- Monday: after 8 p.m.
While these exact windows are derived from traffic trend forecasts rather than official schedules, they align with major data for metropolitan congestion. For instance, national data show major metro areas (like NYC) expecting their worst surge in the early afternoon of the Tuesday before the holiday. If you can delay departure or adjust to avoid those windows, you reduce both stress and risk.
Local considerations for New Yorkers
- Mass transit options: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has announced expanded holiday service, but schedules may vary—check the website ahead of time.
- Key route warning: One of the most heavily travelled corridors is the Long Island Expressway (LIE) eastbound toward the Hamptons, where Tuesday afternoon travel times may reach 4 hours 8 minutes or more. Plan accordingly and consider alternate routes or delay.
- Alternate modes or local stays: If your destination is within the metro region, consider rail, park‐and‐ride lots, or leaving very early/late to avoid heavy congestion.
- If you must drive: Be vigilant about merging traffic, construction zones, and variable speeds—these are all risk factors for serious roadway injury events.
Why this matters and how our firm can help
When the volume of vehicles, night driving, fatigue, alcohol involvement, and time‐pressure all rise, the likelihood of severe collisions or injury‐events increases. Our law firm is dedicated to representing individuals across the NYC and Hudson Valley region who suffer injuries in these kinds of roadway events.
We provide support from the moment a claim arises: understanding complex factors (speed, driver impairment, traffic congestion), coordinating expert investigation, managing insurance company tactics, and advancing compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one is harmed during this holiday travel period, please do not delay seeking legal guidance. Evidence (vehicle data, traffic‐pattern records, witness statements) is often time‐sensitive. With so many other travelers on the road, securing the right documentation and preserving scene data early can make a significant difference.
This Thanksgiving travel season is shaping up to be one of the busiest ever around New York City. By planning ahead, driving sober, staying alert and making sure everyone is secured with a seat belt, you substantially reduce your risk of experiencing a serious roadway injury‐event.
From all of us at Jacoby & Meyers, we wish you a safe, restful and connected holiday — and we’re here if you need us.