Key Takeaways:
- Thanksgiving weekend consistently ranks among Utah’s most dangerous times for driving, especially along I-15.
- Fatigue, congestion, and distracted driving contribute to hundreds of crashes statewide each year.
- Injured travelers can pursue compensation with help from Steele Adams Hosman, Utah’s trusted car accident attorneys.
Every November, Utah families pack their cars, load up on pies and luggage, and hit the road to reunite with loved ones. Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most anticipated times of the year, but it’s also one of the most dangerous.
From Salt Lake City to St. George, the I-15 corridor becomes a high-risk zone for car accidents during the holiday rush. Increased traffic, unpredictable weather, and fatigued drivers create a perfect storm that leads to hundreds of collisions every year.
At Steele Adams Hosman, we’ve represented countless Utah families injured during this busy travel period. Behind every statistic is a story of someone’s life turned upside down. This article explores why Thanksgiving travel is so risky, what the data shows, and how drivers can protect themselves, and what legal options are available if the worst happens.
Thanksgiving Weekend: A Dangerous Time on Utah Roads
The Thanksgiving holiday consistently ranks as one of the deadliest weekends for drivers nationwide, and Utah is no exception. November often sees a sharp increase in both serious and fatal crashes. In recent years, the five-day stretch from Wednesday to Sunday has accounted for:
- Hundreds of reported crashes across Utah highways
- Dozens of serious injuries caused by high-speed collisions and rollover crashes
- Multiple fatalities, often involving fatigue or impairment
The combination of heavy travel, long distances, and winter conditions makes Thanksgiving travel uniquely hazardous.
Key Contributing Factors:
- Increased Volume: I-15 becomes heavily congested as families travel between northern and southern Utah.
- Fatigue and Drowsiness: Long hours behind the wheel after big meals or late nights contribute to slower reaction times.
- Weather Conditions: Early snow or icy patches along the Wasatch Front and mountain passes can catch drivers off guard.
- Impaired or Distracted Driving: Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, and phone use increases with long drives.
These factors combine to make Thanksgiving weekend one of the riskiest travel periods of the year for Utah drivers.
I-15: Utah’s Most Congested and Dangerous Holiday Route
Stretching from the Idaho border through Salt Lake City to St. George, Interstate 15 is Utah’s main artery, and its most dangerous. During Thanksgiving weekend, this route sees traffic volumes surge far beyond normal levels. Southbound lanes clog on Wednesday as travelers leave Salt Lake City, while northbound congestion peaks Sunday evening as they return home.
Common Trouble Zones Include:
- Salt Lake City to Lehi: Heavy commuter and shopping traffic near major retail areas.
- Provo to Nephi: Narrow shoulders and high speeds increase crash severity.
- Cedar City to St. George: Desert winds, fatigue, and long stretches without rest stops lead to lane-drift accidents.
A moment’s distraction or drowsiness in these high-traffic corridors can quickly turn deadly. Many accidents involve rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, or rollovers caused by overcorrection.
The Role of Fatigue in Holiday Crashes
After Thanksgiving dinner, many drivers hit the road late at night, tired from food, travel, and family gatherings. Unfortunately, fatigue is one of the most underestimated driving hazards.
Studies show that driving after 18 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, just under Utah’s legal limit. After 24 hours, it’s like driving with a BAC of 0.10%.
Common Signs of Drowsy Driving:
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Missing exits or drifting between lanes
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
- “Highway hypnosis” (losing track of time or distance)
Fatigued driving is particularly dangerous on Utah’s long, monotonous stretches of interstate. On I-15, where high speeds meet heavy traffic, the results can be catastrophic.
If you’re traveling during Thanksgiving, make it a rule to plan rest breaks every two hours and avoid overnight drives whenever possible.
What to Do After a Thanksgiving Weekend Car Accident
If you’re involved in a crash during the holiday travel period, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Knowing what to do next can protect both your health and your rights.
1. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask symptoms of concussion, whiplash, or internal trauma. Always see a doctor as soon as possible.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
A police report is essential for insurance claims and potential legal action. Be honest and factual when describing the crash.
3. Gather Evidence
Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Exchange contact information with all parties and witnesses.
4. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance companies often contact victims quickly, sometimes within hours. Avoid recorded statements before consulting a lawyer.
5. Call an Experienced Utah Car Accident Attorney
Our skilled legal team can handle insurance negotiations, calculate damages, and build a strong case while you focus on healing.
How Steele Adams Hosman Helps Thanksgiving Crash Victims
At Steele Adams Hosman, we understand how devastating a car accident can be, especially when it disrupts a holiday meant for family and gratitude. Our team of experienced Utah car accident attorneys has handled hundreds of cases involving interstate wrecks, fatigue-related crashes, and serious injuries.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigation: We gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements.
- Negotiation: Our attorneys deal directly with insurers to prevent lowball settlements.
- Medical Support: We work with healthcare providers to ensure your injuries are properly documented.
- Trial Readiness: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re ready to take your case to court.
We’ve helped Utah families recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after holiday crashes.
Injured in a Thanksgiving weekend accident? Call Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Tips for Staying Safe on Utah Roads This Thanksgiving
While you can’t control other drivers, a few proactive steps can make your holiday travel safer:
- Plan ahead: Leave early to avoid peak congestion times on I-15.
- Rest well: Never drive while drowsy. Trade off with a passenger or stop for the night.
- Avoid distractions: Silence notifications and keep your phone out of reach.
- Check your vehicle: Ensure tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are ready for winter conditions.
- Watch for weather changes: Utah’s mountain valleys can shift from clear to icy within minutes.
Even the most cautious drivers can encounter reckless motorists, but preparation reduces risk and improves your odds of a safe trip.
Accountability After a Holiday Crash
When a careless or fatigued driver causes harm, victims deserve justice. Utah’s car accident laws allow injured individuals to seek compensation for:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for families who’ve lost a loved one
At Steele Adams Hosman, we stand beside victims and families who face the aftermath of preventable collisions. We understand the challenges, from medical bills to insurance pressure, and we fight to secure the compensation you need to rebuild.
Safe travel starts with awareness. Justice starts with action. Steele Adams Hosman is here for Utah drivers when it matters most. Don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
