For anyone traveling across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or out of state this Thanksgiving, staying alert is more critical than ever. And if an accident happens, contacting The Perazzo Law Firm at 888-PERAZZO can protect your rights and help you navigate insurance complications quickly and correctly.
Thanksgiving weekend is supposed to be about gratitude, family, and finally slowing down. But as millions of people hit the roads, skies, and rideshares, the long holiday stretch has also become one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year. In 2025, Florida and the rest of the country have already reported higher crash volumes tied to distracted driving, alcohol use, and record-breaking congestion.
Thanksgiving 2025: Why Crash Rates Are Rising
Law enforcement and transportation agencies nationwide are reporting the same patterns year after year, but 2025 is trending worse:
- Heavier traffic: AAA projects over 57 million Americans traveling 50+ miles this weekend, topping last year’s record.
- Recent South Florida crashes: Police in Miami, Doral, Hallandale, and Pembroke Pines have responded to a spike in hit-and-run accidents, rear-end collision near shopping centers. In fact, parking lot accidents are quite common and frequently involve pedestrians or small children. Nighttime pedestrian collisions connected to Black Friday and late-night gatherings.
- Longer celebrations: College students, tourists, and extended family visits have increased nighttime driving, drinking, and rideshare use.
- Digital distraction: Florida’s “hands-free” law hasn’t stopped the rise of cell-phone-related crashes, especially on I-95, SR-826, and I-75.
- Motorcycle activity: Warmer weather this year has led to a visible jump in motorcycle collisions during the extended weekend.
Travel Warning: Thanksgiving 2025 Flight & Road Conditions
Airports across the U.S. expect the busiest Thanksgiving in history. TSA is forecasting:
- 2.8–3 million screenings on the Sunday after Thanksgiving (potential all-time record).
- Ongoing staffing shortages at certain airports and air-traffic facilities.
- Delays tied to incoming storm fronts affecting the Southeast, Gulf states, and Northeast corridor.
On the roads, gas prices are down, but congestion and crash data are up. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after remain the most dangerous days of the entire holiday period.
Major Causes of Thanksgiving Weekend Crashes
| Accident Type | Contributing Factors | Why It Spikes on Thanksgiving Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run | Congestion, panic, impaired drivers | Heavy traffic near malls & nightlife + higher alcohol use |
| Cell-Phone Distracted Driving | Texting, GPS, social media | Long drives, unfamiliar roads, increased stop-and-go congestion |
| Drunk Driving | Parties, late-night outings, family gatherings | One of the top causes of fatal Thanksgiving crashes nationwide |
| Pedestrian Accidents | Crowded areas, nighttime visibility | Black Friday crowds, tourists, and poor lighting |
| Motorcycle Crashes | Speed, blind spots, distracted drivers | Warmer weather in Florida draws more riders onto busy roadways |
1. Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS adjustments, and social media posting during dense traffic have become leading causes of long-weekend collisions.
2. Drunk & Drug-Impaired Driving
Night-time gatherings, sports events, and bar meetups fuel a predictable surge in DUI-related crashes.
3. Hit-and-Run Incidents
Florida continues to rank among the highest states for hit-and-run crashes, especially around highways and shopping districts.
4. Pedestrian Accidents
Tourist zones, outlet malls, and late-night Black Friday crowds dramatically increase pedestrian risks.
5. Motorcycle Crashes
Warm weather and holiday rides bring more motorcycles onto the road, often unnoticed by distracted or impaired drivers.
Holiday Safety Tips for South Florida Travelers
- Avoid peak travel times: Late Wednesday, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon are the worst.
- Plan ahead: Know alternate routes and check weather/traffic alerts.
- Stay off the phone: Use Do-Not-Disturb-While-Driving modes.
- If drinking: Do not drive.. It’s best to use Uber/Lyft, taxis, or a designated driver.
- Check your vehicle: Tires, lights, brakes, and fluids before taking long trips.
- Share your rideshare details if traveling alone.
When an Accident Happens accident victims are reminded to Call The Perazzo Law Firm
Jonathan Perazzo, a Miami personal injury attorney of Argentine and Cuban heritage, leads a fully bilingual team serving victims throughout Florida. The firm helps with:
- Crash investigation & evidence preservation
- Filing and negotiating insurance claims
- Handling hit-and-run injuries, rideshare accidents, drunk-driving collisions, pedestrian injuries, and motorcycle crashes
- Zero-Out-of-Pocket Fees for clients
Call 888-PERAZZO or Contact Us ONLINE immediately after a crash. Reminder, always best to seek medical care in the event of discomfort as some injuries develop over time. Sadly, you don’t have forever to file an insurance claim for compensate medical expenses or other losses.
