Mississippi Joins West Virginia, South Carolina, New York, Utah and Montana in Becoming Most Dangerous US States to Drive in on Thanksgiving Day Vacation

Published on November 24, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most anticipated times of the year for families to come together, but it’s also a time when roads become increasingly dangerous in United States. Mississippi, West Virginia, South Carolina, New York, Utah, and Montana have now joined the ranks of the most dangerous US states to drive in during the Thanksgiving Day vacation. These US states have been flagged for their alarmingly high traffic fatality rates, making them the top hotspots where drivers should be extra cautious. As Thanksgiving Day traffic spikes, these states pose significant risks, with dangerous roads and hazardous driving conditions leading to higher accident rates.

Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends, but it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. According to a shocking new study, the most deadly states to drive in on Thanksgiving are putting thousands of lives at risk every year. Mississippi, West Virginia, and Montana are just some of the states where fatal collisions soar over the holiday period. If you’re planning on hitting the road this Thanksgiving, it’s essential to know where the danger zones are. Buckle up—this might make you think twice about your travel plans.

Mississippi: The Deadliest State for Thanksgiving Travel

Mississippi is officially the most perilous state for Thanksgiving travel in the United States. Over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022, Mississippi had the highest rate of fatal collisions per 100,000 people during Thanksgiving. With a staggering 0.338 fatal collisions per 100,000 people, it far exceeds the national average of just 0.148. What’s even more alarming is that Thanksgiving-related fatalities account for nearly 30% of the state’s total holiday fatalities. This makes Mississippi the deadliest place to be behind the wheel during the holiday season.

Why is Mississippi so dangerous? The state has a combination of factors that contribute to its high fatality rate. Poor road conditions, higher alcohol consumption, and the sheer number of people on the roads during Thanksgiving all make Mississippi a ticking time bomb for traffic accidents. If you plan to drive in Mississippi, be sure to drive cautiously, stay sober, and avoid long-distance travel during peak hours.

West Virginia: A State With Shockingly High Collision Rates

Second on the list of most dangerous states for Thanksgiving travel is West Virginia. Between 2018 and 2022, the state saw an average of 0.279 fatal collisions per 100,000 people over Thanksgiving. The danger is so prevalent that fatal Thanksgiving accidents account for 33.33% of all traffic fatalities in the state during the holiday season. West Virginia’s rugged terrain and winding roads add to the risks, making it one of the most treacherous places for Thanksgiving travel.

The high rate of collisions is exacerbated by the lack of proper road maintenance in some areas. With fewer urban centres and many rural highways, drivers can find themselves navigating unfamiliar terrain in hazardous conditions. West Virginia ranks as the second most dangerous state for a reason: the high number of fatalities and dangerous roads make this state a deadly destination for drivers on Thanksgiving Day.

Montana: The Hidden Danger on Thanksgiving Roads

Montana ranks third in the list of most dangerous states to drive in on Thanksgiving, with an average of 0.275 fatal collisions per 100,000 people. This is a truly alarming statistic for a state that many might not immediately think of as a major road hazard. Montana’s wide-open spaces and long stretches of highways may appear safer than urban environments, but the fact is, they come with their own set of challenges. Inclement weather, such as snow and icy conditions, often exacerbates the risk, especially in rural areas where emergency services might take longer to respond.

Fatal collisions over Thanksgiving in Montana make up 21.43% of the state’s total holiday fatalities. In terms of total yearly collisions, Thanksgiving fatalities account for 1.61% of all traffic deaths in the state. It’s a stark reminder that when driving in Montana, the open road can hide dangerous surprises, making the risk of accidents particularly high during the Thanksgiving period.

South Carolina: A State Where Accidents Spike on Thanksgiving

South Carolina is the fourth most dangerous state to drive in over Thanksgiving. Between 2018 and 2022, the state saw an average of 0.271 fatal collisions per 100,000 people during the Thanksgiving period. With its busy highways and the influx of out-of-state travellers, the risk of fatal accidents skyrockets. Thanksgiving fatalities in South Carolina represent 23.73% of the state’s total holiday fatalities, a chilling statistic that highlights the significant dangers of driving in the Palmetto State.

Road conditions and high-speed highways, combined with distracted driving and alcohol-related crashes, contribute to South Carolina’s high fatality rate during the holiday season. If you find yourself in South Carolina this Thanksgiving, extra caution is essential. Stick to well-lit, populated roads and avoid risky driving behaviours such as texting or speeding.

Alabama: A State That Should Be Avoided for Thanksgiving Travel

Alabama rounds out the top five most dangerous states to drive in on Thanksgiving, with an average of 0.241 fatal collisions per 100,000 people. While it might not have the highest fatality rate like Mississippi, Alabama still presents a significant risk. Fatal collisions during Thanksgiving make up 23.08% of the state’s total holiday fatalities, with an additional 1.37% of all annual traffic fatalities attributed to the holiday period.

Similar to other Southern states, Alabama faces challenges with poor infrastructure, weather conditions, and an increasing number of travellers. Drivers are advised to plan their routes carefully, avoid driving late at night or in adverse weather conditions, and be aware of the increased traffic volumes around major cities such as Birmingham and Mobile.

New York: The Safest State for Thanksgiving Travel

While Mississippi and West Virginia top the list for danger, New York stands out as the safest state for Thanksgiving travel. New York’s rate of fatal collisions is the lowest in the nation, with just 0.056 fatal collisions per 100,000 people from 2018 to 2022. The state’s vast urban infrastructure and extensive public transportation network make it a safer place to travel, particularly in New York City, where traffic fatalities are minimal due to better road safety measures and alternative transport options.

Thanksgiving fatalities in New York represent only 17.19% of the total holiday fatalities, and fatal collisions during Thanksgiving make up just 1.11% of all traffic fatalities in the state. For drivers seeking a relatively safe holiday trip, New York offers a refuge from the dangers that plague other states.

Massachusetts: A Hidden Gem for Thanksgiving Travel Safety

Massachusetts comes in second as the safest state for Thanksgiving travel. With only 0.058 fatal collisions per 100,000 people during Thanksgiving from 2018 to 2022, Massachusetts offers a significant contrast to the high-risk states like Mississippi. In fact, only 21.05% of the state’s holiday fatalities occur during Thanksgiving, which is relatively low compared to the national averages.

Massachusetts’ strict driving laws, focus on road safety, and well-maintained infrastructure play a big role in the state’s excellent track record for reducing fatal collisions. If you’re travelling in the Northeast this Thanksgiving, Massachusetts is an excellent choice for a safe and relatively stress-free road trip.

Utah, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania: Safer States for Thanksgiving Travel

Utah, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania follow closely behind Massachusetts in terms of road safety for Thanksgiving. Each of these states has a relatively low rate of fatal collisions per 100,000 people, with Utah at 0.061, Minnesota at 0.070, and Pennsylvania at 0.085. These states all boast well-maintained roads, lower alcohol-related crashes, and a lower frequency of extreme weather conditions that can lead to accidents.

Protect Yourself – Drive Responsibly This Thanksgiving

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers on the road. While some states like Mississippi, West Virginia, and Montana pose a significant risk due to high fatality rates, others like New York, Massachusetts, and Utah offer much safer alternatives. Whether you’re heading to a family gathering or just a quick getaway, always plan your route carefully, be mindful of the weather conditions, and avoid risky behaviours like drunk driving. Above all, remember that your safety and the safety of others is the most important thing to be thankful for this year.

Credit: www.welcomelawfirm.com