Thanksgiving Car Accidents In Harrisburg: How To Protect Yourself On The Road Over The Holiday

The holidays are a time for celebration, and Thanksgiving kicks off the festivities. It is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the deadliest.

Alcohol-related car accidents spike the night before the holiday and throughout Thanksgiving weekend, leaving victims with potentially devastating injuries. Whether you’re traveling to see family and friends or staying home this year, our experienced Harrisburg car accident lawyer explains the risks and how to protect yourself on the road.

Drunk Driving Increases Harrisburg Car Accident Risks Over the Thanksgiving Weekend

Whether it’s the excitement of the holidays or the pressure of seeing family and old friends, Thanksgiving has a reputation for being a drinking holiday. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating the season, it is important to be aware of the risks.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), close to 1,000 alcohol-related crashes and collisions happen over the holiday weekend each year. These claim the lives of nearly 20 people while leaving hundreds of others suffering severe harm.

Even if you don’t plan to overdo it, having just one or two drinks and getting behind the wheel increases the risk of car accidents in Harrisburg. Common impacts even small amounts of alcohol have on driving abilities include:

• Impaired vision and increased sensitivity to glare make it harder to see the road.
• Poor judgment makes you less likely to be aware of impairments and more likely to get behind the wheel.
• Lack of coordination makes it harder to steer, apply the brakes, or perform other driving tasks.
• Increased drowsiness and distraction, which can prove deadly on local roads.

This Thanksgiving, Protect Yourself Against Drunk Driving Accidents In Harrisburg

Having a few drinks can help in celebrating the holidays, but be aware of the risks it poses to you, your passengers, and others on the road. Over Thanksgiving and throughout the season, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises following these tips:

• Make plans in advance if you plan on drinking at holiday gatherings.
• Designate a sober driver or rely on ridesharing to get home.
• Be cautious when driving at night, which is when most alcohol-related car accidents happen.
• On the road, report drivers who behave erratically, swerve between lanes, or otherwise appear under the influence.

Drunk driving car accidents in Harrisburg can cause devastating injuries to everyone involved. This year, play it safe and avoid getting behind the wheel with any amount of alcohol in your system.

Injured In A Crash? Contact Our Experienced Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents in Harrisburg are unfortunately common throughout the holiday season, and alcohol is often to blame. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we hold drunk drivers accountable and help victims get the compensation they need to recover.

If you or someone you love gets injured in a crash, contact our experienced Harrisburg car accident lawyer and request a consultation today.

Sources:

pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/newsroom/district-3/2025/penndot–safety-partners-kick-off-operation-safe-holiday-enforce

nhtsa.gov/press-releases/make-it-table-dont-drink-and-drive-thanksgiving-eve