Traveling for Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition for Minnesota families, but Allstate’s latest safety report highlights periods when the roads become especially hazardous. By examining more than 44 million Drivewise trips and roadside service calls from Thanksgiving 2025, the insurer identified clear spikes in dangerous driving behaviors that every Minnesotan should know.
When the Roads Get Most Congested
Allstate found that the busiest and riskiest stretch begins late Wednesday night. Between 9 p.m. on Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday, the number of trips rose by over 40 percent compared with typical travel days. This surge creates heavier traffic and more opportunities for unsafe maneuvers.
Speeding and Distraction Surge on Thanksgiving Day
On Thanksgiving morning, about one‑fifth of all trips involved unsafe behavior, according to the insurer. More than 90 percent of those incidents were linked to speeding, distracted driving, or phone use. Notably, trips traveling at 80 mph or faster jumped nearly 200 percent between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and remained over 100 percent above normal through noon.
Black Friday Still a High‑Speed Day
While overall traffic volume drops on Black Friday, the propensity for high‑speed driving stays elevated. Allstate reported an 80‑plus‑percent increase in trips exceeding the speed limit, even though the total number of trips was roughly half of a typical Friday morning.
Longer Trips Mean More Time on the Road
Thanksgiving also sees drivers covering greater distances. The share of trips 100 miles or longer doubled on Wednesday and Thursday, and the average Thanksgiving Day trip was more than 40 percent longer than a normal day’s journey. This trend underscores the need for careful planning, especially for those traveling across the state’s 10,000 lakes region.
What Minnesota Drivers Can Do
Allstate recommends a few practical steps to stay safe:
- Plan ahead: Check traffic reports before hitting the road and consider alternative routes.
- Avoid distractions: Keep phones out of reach and use hands‑free devices if necessary.
- Observe speed limits: Remember that higher speeds dramatically increase crash risk.
- Take breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, stop regularly to rest.
AAA Minnesota supports these findings, noting that roughly nine in ten Thanksgiving travelers choose to drive. In recent years, the broader West North Central region, which includes Minnesota, saw nearly 5.9 million drivers on the road during the holiday period. Despite higher fuel prices, travel volumes are expected to remain strong this year.
Local Perspective
For Minnesotans, the data offers a clear reminder that the holiday’s joy should not be compromised by reckless driving. Communities across the state—from the Twin Cities to the Iron Range—are encouraging families to prioritize safety, keep loved ones together, and enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving.
By staying informed and exercising caution, drivers can help ensure that the holiday remains a time of gratitude rather than grief.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
