As Thanksgiving approaches, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind everyone that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Whether you’re driving across town or across the state, celebrating responsibly is the best way to ensure everyone makes it home safely.
One of the most dangerous times on the road is the night before Thanksgiving, a night often associated with gatherings, reconnecting with friends, and increased alcohol consumption. Planning ahead for a sober ride, whether it’s a designated driver, public transportation, a rideshare or a taxi, is critical to keeping everyone safe.
In Connecticut between 2020-2024, during the Thanksgiving holiday (defined as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after) there were 83 crashes involving an impaired driver that resulted in 76 injuries and eight fatalities.
Nationally, between 2019 and 2023, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, accounting for more than one-third of all traffic fatalities during that time. In 2023 alone, 174 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend, with drivers ages 21–34 making up the largest share of those fatalities.
“Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and celebration – but if you don’t celebrate safely, lives can be changed in an instant,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to drive. Planning ahead for a sober ride home helps ensure the holiday season is a time of gratitude, not tragedy.”
CTDOT recommends the following to keep yourself and others safe:
- Designate a sober driver before your celebration begins.
- Use a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation to get home safely.
- If a friend is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get a safe ride home.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately.
“As they patrol state roads and highways, Connecticut State Troopers are always on the lookout for impaired drivers. We ask the public to be our partners in public safety and call 911 if they suspect an impaired operator on the road – this is a true emergency and warrants an immediate response from law enforcement,” said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. “Thanksgiving is not only a time for gathering with family and friends, but also to ensure that safety remains a priority on the road.”
"Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Connecticut police urge everyone to help keep our roadways safe by driving sober or choosing a designated driver,” said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger.
This Thanksgiving, make safety part of your holiday celebration and ensure you and your loved ones get home safely.
For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.