Police stress driving safety as Thanksgiving weekend traffic increases crash risk

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — Heavy traffic filled roads across the commonwealth Sunday as travelers returned home from Thanksgiving destinations, prompting local law enforcement to warn drivers to take extra precautions.

New data from Samsara, a technology company that tracks commercial fleet safety, found car crashes on the Sunday after Thanksgiving are 65% higher compared to previous Sundays.

And winter weather conditions, which we are currently experiencing, contribute to nearly 20% of weather-related accidents, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Isaiah Carter was among those on the road Sunday, though his holiday weekend wasn’t over yet as he headed to Dominion Raceway for a car show.

“It’s a lot of traffic out here, and it’s hectic. There’s a lot of people on the roads doing Black Friday shopping and everything. So, need to be safe for sure,” Carter said.

Carter said he has traveled during Thanksgiving weekend before and learned safety strategies.

“So I have my girlfriend, she follows me just to make sure we don’t break down anywhere and stuff like that. And also, just keep staying vigilant on the road, driving the speed limit, abiding by all the traffic rules and stuff like that,” Carter said.

Sergeant Kyle Easton with Chesterfield Police said Carter’s approach is exactly what drivers should be doing.

Chesterfield Police are increasing patrols during the day and overnight to help with extra traffic and address speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving.

“Crashes often cause secondary crashes, so people that are looking at the incident from the other way — and so trying to help reduce the amount of time that we’re on scene can hopefully reduce the amount of secondary crashes,” Easton said.

Chesterfield Police are asking drivers to ensure they are safe to drive before getting on the road.

During Thanksgiving weekend 2023, the county had 10 DUI arrests. Last year, they had 12.

Easton said police cannot pinpoint the exact reason for the small spike; it could be increased police presence or other factors, but emphasized the broader safety concern.

“In Virginia, 30% of our crashes are related to some kind of an alcohol-related instance. So, we are asking people to do their part in trying to make sure that they’re drinking responsibly, celebrating responsibly. This should be a time of celebration, not a time of tragedy,” Easton said