MADD Candlelight Vigil
November 19, 2025
Thanksgiving – Recipes for the Road
November 24, 2025
| As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us are looking forward to family, food, football, and fun. While we celebrate with our loved ones, it is important to keep in mind that the Thanksgiving holiday is a peak travel period. In 2024, AAA projected more than 71 million travelers on the road during Thanksgiving week (source). With so many people on the road, it is vital that drivers exercise care while behind the wheel. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) urge drivers to prepare for safe travels this holiday season. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey, buckle up every trip, and drive sober and well-rested. In support of safe travel this Thanksgiving, check out the additional resources and tips below! When we prioritize responsible driving, we help to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destinations, ready to enjoy the festive celebrations with family and friends. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call ‘home,’ we all can play a role in supporting safety – Take part in the “Give a Hand to Safe Driving” Thanksgiving Holiday Safe Driving Pledge. Commit to safe driving behaviors, display your hand turkeys on a “Wall of Thanks,” or share a photo on social media with the hashtags #SafeDriver and #TargetZeroFL. – We have also attached a Thanksgiving Driver Safety Tip Card to share with colleagues around the office. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts – If hosting or attending a gathering, ensure family and friends have a sober ride home. Choose a designated driver or schedule a rideshare before the first toast. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect one’s driving ability. – Holiday hustle and bustle can lead to stressful travels behind the wheel. Encourage calm, enjoyable travel with music that reduces stress. For inspiration, explore the attached Target Zero safe driving playlists , they’re perfect for any road trip mood! – Share additional safety tips and resources from FLHSMV’s Thanksgiving Safe Holiday Travel webpage and the NHTSA Thanksgiving Travel Tips to spread the word within your community. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not ‘on-the-clock,’ there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida – Stay focused behind the wheel: Set the GPS and send that “ETA” text update to family and friends before you hit the road. – Be patient: Expect traffic. Take your time, avoid tailgating, and maintain a safe following distance. – Plan ahead: Depart early in the morning or after 7 PM to bypass peak congestion. Holiday travelers can also check roadway conditions and view live streaming traffic cameras on FDOT’s FL511.com. – Prepare your vehicle: Check tires, wiper fluid, and pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, and basic tools. – Stay alert on Thanksgiving Eve: The night before Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous times for impaired driving in the U.S. In 2023, 92 drivers were involved in fatal crashes that night, and one-third were under the influence. Prioritize safety by planning ahead before heading out to celebrate. – Tow to Go: During the holidays (including the Thanksgiving weekend), AAA offers their free Tow to Go program throughout Florida! Tow to Go provides a free and confidential ride for impaired drivers and their vehicles who do not have a safe alternative, within 10 miles. To arrange a Tow to Go, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO (855-286-9246). – If you spot an impaired driver: Contact law enforcement right away by calling *FHP (*347). To request immediate emergency services, dial 911. We are deeply thankful for your dedication to promoting safe travel this holiday season. Your continued efforts help ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely. Wishing you and your families a joyful, peaceful, and safe Thanksgiving. Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
