For many Marylanders, the night before Thanksgiving has become an unofficial holiday of its own. Old friends return home, families reunite, and communities gather to kick off the long weekend. Restaurants and bars stay busy late into the night, and the atmosphere is full of excitement.
However, beneath the seasonal cheer, Thanksgiving Eve remains one of the most dangerous nights of the year for impaired driving. As families prepare to travel and roads become more congested, even one unsafe decision can have life-altering consequences.
Alcohol Consumption Increases During Thanksgiving Week
Holiday gatherings often involve higher levels of alcohol consumption, and Thanksgiving is no exception. A national survey from Alcohol.org shows that Americans typically drink more on holidays than on an average day. Thanksgiving ranks as one of the top ten holidays where alcohol plays a major role in celebrations, and many people begin their Thanksgiving celebration the night before.
While these gatherings are meant to be enjoyable, the increased consumption also heightens the risk of impaired driving, especially when paired with heavy travel patterns across Maryland.
Thanksgiving Eve Is One of the Riskiest Nights for Drivers
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Marketing division reports that Thanksgiving Eve has seen a significant number of alcohol-related fatalities in recent years between the hours of Wednesday evening and Thanksgiving morning. These crashes are not isolated incidents—they reflect a nationwide pattern of increased risk during the holiday period.
Young adults make up a substantial portion of these impaired drivers, but the consequences affect people of all ages. Maryland roadways are especially crowded during this time as families travel across the state to visit loved ones, increasing the likelihood of serious collisions.
How Alcohol Impairs Driving, Even at Low Levels
Many people underestimate how quickly alcohol affects their ability to drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that even small amounts of alcohol begin to impair critical skills.
- A blood alcohol concentration of .02 can reduce judgment and affect visual functioning.
- At .05, coordination and response time decrease significantly.
- By .08, the legal limit in most states, essential driving tasks such as perception, balance, and reaction become severely impaired.
Each year, NHTSA reports thousands of deaths tied to alcohol-impaired driving. During holiday periods, these risks increase as more drivers enter the road under the influence.
The key message is clear – you you do not have to feel “drunk” to be too impaired to drive.
One Unsafe Decision Can Change Everything
Major crashes often lead not just to injuries, but to long-term legal, financial, and emotional consequences that affect entire families.
Thanksgiving should be a time of gratitude and togetherness. A single impaired-driving incident can abruptly—and permanently—change that for everyone involved.
Ways to Stay Safe This Thanksgiving Eve
- Preparing ahead of time is one of the most effective ways to prevent impaired driving. Before heading out:
- Plan a sober ride home through a rideshare service, taxi, or designated driver.
- Encourage responsible behavior within your friend group or family.
- If you see someone attempting to drive after drinking, intervene. It is better to have an uncomfortable conversation than to face the aftermath of a preventable tragedy.
- Host responsibly if you are gathering at your home, ensuring guests have safe transportation options.
Maryland roads will be busy throughout the holiday weekend. Every safe choice contributes to safer travel for everyone.
A Safer Start to the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the people and moments that matter most. Protecting yourself and others begins with making responsible choices—especially on a night known for elevated drinking.
As you enjoy the beginning of the holiday season, please prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. Maryland Auto Insurance is committed to helping our communities stay protected, on Thanksgiving Eve and every day.
