Summary
A study found Mississippi is the deadliest state for driving during Thanksgiving, with a high rate of traffic deaths. The study analyzed crash data from 2014 to 2023 and found that Southern states have the most fatalities. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that millions will travel by car this Thanksgiving, increasing the importance of road safety.
Key Facts
- Mississippi recorded 33.77 traffic deaths per 1 million residents during Thanksgiving, the highest rate among states.
- Alabama ranks second with 25.87 deaths per 1 million people.
- South Carolina is third with 25.59 deaths per 1 million people.
- Louisiana ranks fourth, showing 25.12 deaths per 1 million people.
- South Dakota is fifth with a rate of 24.81 fatalities per 1 million residents.
- The study used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2014 to 2023.
- AAA predicts that 73 million people will drive for Thanksgiving travel in 2023.
- From 2019 to 2023, 35% of Thanksgiving traffic deaths involved drunk driving.
