Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 21, 2025) — As more than 73 million Americans prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging drivers to prioritize safety and preparedness to ensure everyone arrives at their holiday destinations safely. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly 440 traffic-related deaths and over 56,000 injuries are projected nationwide during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness, but it’s also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “We encourage everyone to take simple but critical steps to stay safe—plan your route, drive attentively and ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Let’s make this holiday about joy, not tragedy.”
Prepare for the Unexpected: Emergency Car Kit Essentials
The Red Cross recommends that all drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicles year-round, especially during holiday travel. Essential items include high-protein snacks, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a blanket, a cellphone charger, a map and an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers.
“Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can make all the difference,” Smauldon added. “Having the right supplies on hand can help you navigate unexpected situations and keep your family safe.”
Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tips
To help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe journey, the Red Cross of Utah offers the following driving tips:
A Sobering Reality
Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest holidays for motor vehicle crashes, second only to Memorial Day. While the NSC projects a 12% decrease in fatalities compared to last year, the estimated 439 lives lost this holiday weekend represent 439 families facing an empty chair at the table.
“Each of us has the power to prevent these tragedies through safe choices,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO. “This Thanksgiving, let’s make decisions that protect ourselves and everyone sharing the road so we can all celebrate with our loved ones.”
Stay Connected with Red Cross Apps
For additional safety and preparedness resources, download the free Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps. The Emergency app provides live weather updates, shelter locations and expert disaster advice, while the First Aid app offers step-by-step guidance for managing injuries, including CPR instructions. Search “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.
Learn more about the National Safety Council
As America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate for nearly 110 years, the National Safety Council is a mission-based organization working to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing its efforts on the workplace and roadways. For more information, go to nsc.org. For additional Thanksgiving holiday fatality estimates and motor vehicle data and research, visit injuryfacts.nsc.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
