Montana Ranks Sixth for Fatal Thanksgiving Crashes: When to Avoid the Road

Before you load up the pumpkin pie and hit the road for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to hear this. Most of us have white-knuckled a drive across the state in November, and a new study shows the holiday weekend is riskier on our roads than almost anywhere else in the country.

Montana Ranks Sixth for Fatal Thanksgiving Crashes

The study puts Montana sixth in the nation for fatal crashes around Thanksgiving, and that’s not a list we want to be on. Over a five-year span, Montana averaged about 10.5 fatal crashes per million residents during Thanksgiving weekend. That’s nearly 60 percent higher than the national average, so drivers here face a much higher risk than most of the country.

Montana’s Most Dangerous Time to Drive Is Sunday Evening

If you’re heading home after the holiday, take note: Sunday between 5 and 6 p.m. is when Montana roads are at their most dangerous. It makes sense. Everyone is worn out from the long weekend, traffic is heavier, and the weather can turn things worse fast. Leave earlier in the day if you can, build in a few breaks, and don’t rush. Getting home safely is worth the extra time.

READ MORE: Montana Drivers Face Nation’s Highest Risk of Animal Crashes

Why Thanksgiving Travel Turns Risky in Montana

More people travel for Thanksgiving than at almost any other time of year, which means crowded highways and impatient drivers. Add icy roads, and a few folks who’ve had one too many at dinner, and the odds of an accident go way up. Across the U.S., the hour between 6 and 7 p.m. is the deadliest for Thanksgiving drivers, and Montana’s numbers track right along with that.

How Montana Compares to Other States

Montana isn’t alone here. Southern states like Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia see even higher fatality rates. Smaller states like Rhode Island and Vermont have much lower crash numbers, likely because of shorter distances and less time behind the wheel.

Safe Thanksgiving Driving Tips for Montana Travelers

Attorney James Helm from TopDog Law shared a few simple reminders for anyone planning to travel this Thanksgiving. He suggests avoiding the riskiest times to drive, especially Sunday evening when traffic is heaviest, and drivers are often tired. Give yourself plenty of time and take breaks along the way so you stay alert.

Never drive under the influence. If you’re celebrating with alcohol, plan ahead with a designated driver or a ride-share. It’s also worth getting your car ready for winter before you leave. Check your tire tread and your wipers, and make sure your headlights are bright enough for dark or snowy roads. A little preparation now makes a big difference later.

Montana’s Rural Roads Bring Their Own Challenges

Our wide-open spaces are beautiful, but they make for long, tiring drives. Icy stretches and spotty cell service in some areas make it easy to underestimate how quickly conditions can change. Watch the forecast, stop when you need to, and don’t push through if you’re tired.

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Arrive Safe This Thanksgiving in Montana

Thanksgiving is meant to be spent around the table, not stranded on the side of the road. Check the forecast, pick your travel window carefully, and give yourself the time to get there. Your safety comes first.