Thanksgiving is supposed to be about family, friends, and the big meal — but it’s also one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year. In the Commonwealth and across the country, a perfect storm of heavy traffic, long-distance driving, fatigue, bad weather, and impaired or distracted drivers raises the risk of serious crashes. Here’s why Thanksgiving weekend is so risky and what injured Virginians should do if they’re hurt — plus how Hilton & Somer can help.
Why crashes spike over Thanksgiving
- Heavy traffic and congestion. Millions of Americans hit the roads for Thanksgiving, creating long, stop-and-go conditions on interstates and state highways. VDOT even publishes travel-congestion maps and lifts lane closures during the holiday because congestion and merging maneuvers increase crash risk.
- Long road trips & drowsy driving. Longer-than-usual drives make drowsy driving more common — fatigue reduces reaction time and decision-making, and can be as dangerous as impairment. Studies show small but significant increases in fatal crash odds during holiday periods.
- Impaired driving (including “Blackout Wednesday”). The night before Thanksgiving — often called Thanksgiving Eve or “Blackout Wednesday” — is associated with higher rates of drinking and driving. National data shows a substantial share of Thanksgiving-period fatalities involve alcohol-impaired drivers.
- Weather and wildlife. November weather in Virginia can change quickly — rain, fog, or early snow in higher elevations reduce visibility and traction. Rural roads also bring a higher chance of deer strikes during dusk and dawn hours. VDOT and Virginia State Police routinely warn motorists to prepare for changing conditions.
If you’re injured over the holiday: immediate steps
- Get medical care first. Your health is the priority — and medical records document your injuries for any future claim.
- Preserve evidence. Take photos, note location/time, get witness names, and keep repair estimates and medical bills.
- Report the crash. In many Virginia crashes you must report to the police; a police report is vital for insurance and legal claims.
- Don’t sign releases or accept a quick low settlement. Insurance companies often push early offers; you should understand the full scope of your injuries first.
How Hilton & Somer can help
Hilton & Somer, based in Fairfax and serving Virginia, Maryland and D.C., focuses on motor vehicle collisions, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. The firm can: investigate the crash scene, preserve photographic and electronic evidence, work with medical providers and lien holders, put together a damage and loss calculation, negotiate with insurers, and — if needed — file suit before Virginia’s filing deadline (most personal injury actions must be filed within two years). Hilton & Somer handles cases on contingency, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless they recover compensation for you.
Thanksgiving travel can be stressful — but if the worst happens, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. If you or a loved one were injured in a Thanksgiving crash in Virginia, contact Hilton & Somer for a free consultation so you can focus on recovery while your legal team protects your rights.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury, don’t go through it alone. Help is available today. Get in touch with the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today to discuss your case with one of our Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Attorneys. You can contact us toll-free at (703) 560-0700.
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