Texas Thanksgiving Early Morning Crash Rate Triples

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, November 6, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Texas Truck Accident Lawyer, a legal firm focused on truck accidents, has released a report highlighting a concerning trend in fatal crashes during the early hours of Thanksgiving Day. According to the five-year study, from 2020 to 2024, the number of fatal crashes between midnight and 5:59 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day was triple the average count during the same hours on nearby Thursdays. Specifically, the report found 4.8 fatal crashes on Thanksgiving mornings, compared to 1.6 on Thursday mornings.

The firm's analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data revealed that the full holiday period, from Wednesday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 11:59 p.m., saw a lower average number of fatal crashes. Over the Thanksgiving period, there were 48.0 fatal crashes, compared to 51.45 during the same period on nearby Thursdays. Additionally, the study noted a lower average of 6.2 fatal crashes involving large trucks during the Thanksgiving period, compared to 7.9 during the comparison period.

The report does not establish a direct link between the increased number of fatal crashes and specific factors such as tired drivers, alcohol, or traffic volume. It also does not provide a definitive explanation for why the overnight crash rate is significantly higher on Thanksgiving. The firm noted that the analysis counted crashes in which someone died, not those involving only injuries or property damage. The data for the 2020 through 2023 periods are final, while the 2024 data may be revised.

The study's findings suggest that travelers should plan their trips around a rested and sober driver rather than solely relying on avoiding traffic. The firm recommends that drivers plan safe places to stop if they become tired, consider an overnight stay, and check current road conditions before both the outbound and return trips.

The full report, which includes detailed charts and source files, is available on the Texas Truck Accident Lawyer website. The firm's analysis underscores the importance of safe travel practices, especially during the holiday season when increased travel can pose additional risks.