Massachusetts Ranked Second-Safest State for Thanksgiving Travel, Study Finds
Five of the 10 safest states for Thanksgiving travel were located in the Northeast, with New York ranking first overall, followed by Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.
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Massachusetts drivers can take some comfort heading into the busy holiday season—a new study has ranked the Bay State as the second safest in the nation for Thanksgiving travel.
The analysis, conducted by Andrew Pickett Law using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), examined Thanksgiving traffic fatalities between 2014 and 2023. The findings reveal that Massachusetts recorded just 5.83 deaths in car crashes per one million residents during the holiday period, which is roughly 61 percent lower than the national average of 14.88 fatalities.
Over the past decade, the state saw 41 total Thanksgiving-related traffic deaths. Of those fatalities, 61.5 percent were drivers and 20.5 percent were pedestrians. The breakdown places Massachusetts 21st nationally for driver deaths and 17th for pedestrian fatalities.
The study highlighted a broader regional trend of safety during the holiday travel rush. Five of the 10 safest states for Thanksgiving travel were located in the Northeast, with New York ranking first overall, followed by Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. Analysts noted that denser urban infrastructure, stricter traffic enforcement, and shorter average driving distances may contribute to the region’s stronger safety record.
Nationwide, Thanksgiving remains one of the deadliest holidays for motorists. The National Safety Council estimated that around 502 people were killed and more than 57,000 were injured in crashes during the 2023 Thanksgiving period. Alcohol impairment was a factor in about 35 percent of fatal incidents, underscoring the ongoing risks of holiday travel despite improved safety awareness.
Andrew Pickett, a personal injury lawyer and owner of the Melbourne, Florida-based firm that led the study, said the results serve as both encouragement and a reminder for caution. “With millions of Americans on the road this holiday season, it’s more important than ever to prioritize safety,” Pickett said. “Simple steps like slowing down, staying alert, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence can make a real difference in preventing accidents and ensuring everyone gets home safely for Thanksgiving.”
While Massachusetts continues to rank near the top for traveler safety, transportation experts still urge vigilance, especially given seasonal factors such as earlier sunsets, variable weather, and increased traffic volumes. For residents planning to hit the road, officials recommend checking travel forecasts, avoiding peak hours, and keeping an emergency kit on hand.
As families across the state prepare for the long weekend, Massachusetts’ strong road safety record is a positive note—but one that relies on continued effort from every driver to maintain.
