Thanksgiving Travel Data Shows Mixed Trends in Road Safety

As millions of Americans prepare to travel by car for Thanksgiving weekend, new survey findings suggest more travelers may be choosing to drive to their destinations rather than fly. According to a recent Hertz survey, 37% of respondents planning Thanksgiving travel say they are driving instead of flying to save money. With more travelers potentially taking to the roads, safe driving remains especially important during the busy holiday weekend.

New data from Verra Mobility reveals mixed trends in two dangerous driving behaviors. An analysis of traffic safety data from communities across the U.S. during the Thanksgiving holiday period, Wednesday through Sunday, found that while red-light violations continued to decline in 2025, speeding violations increased, reversing improvements seen the previous year.

Speeding Violations Rebound

After declining in 2024, speeding violations increased nearly 11% per camera in 2025, reaching their highest level in the three-year period analyzed.

Thanksgiving Day recorded the highest average number of speeding violations per camera in 2025, while Saturday recorded the fewest. Speeding violations peaked between noon and 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day, shifting earlier to 10 a.m. to noon from Friday through Sunday.

Holiday travel plans also suggest Wednesday could be a particularly important day for drivers to remain alert. According to Hertz, 31% of respondents planning to drive for Thanksgiving expect to depart on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Combined with our findings that speeding violations peaked between noon and 2 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2025, the data serves as a timely reminder for travelers to plan ahead and avoid rushing.

These findings reinforce the importance of maintaining safe speeds throughout the holiday weekend. Whether heading to a Thanksgiving gathering or returning home, drivers should allow extra travel time and avoid the temptation to speed.

Red-Light Violations Continue to Decline

Red-light running showed a more encouraging trend. Following a decline in 2024, red-light violations per camera decreased 3% in 2025, reaching their lowest level in the last three years.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving recorded the highest average number of red-light violations per camera in 2025, while Thanksgiving Day recorded the fewest. Red-light violations peaked between 2 and 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, shifting to noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Although the continued decline is encouraging, red-light running remains a serious safety concern. With more holiday travelers on the road, drivers should remain attentive at intersections, obey traffic signals, and avoid rushing through yellow lights.

Safety First: What You Can Do

Whether traveling across town or across the country, safe driving decisions can help protect everyone on the road this Thanksgiving. Keep these tips in mind:

• Slow down: Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed for traffic, weather and road conditions.
• Stay alert at intersections: Obey traffic signals and never attempt to beat a red light.
• Eliminate distractions: Put away your phone, avoid multitasking, and keep your attention on the road.
• Plan ahead: Allow extra time for holiday traffic so you don’t feel rushed to reach your destination.
• Stay focused throughout the trip: Whether you’re traveling before Thanksgiving or heading home after the holiday, safe driving should remain a priority.

While the latest data shows continued progress in reducing red-light violations, the increase in speeding is a reminder that dangerous driving behaviors remain a concern. Every driver has a role to play in making roads safer during the holidays and throughout the year.

This Thanksgiving, help ensure everyone arrives at their celebrations safely by slowing down, staying alert, and making responsible decisions behind the wheel.