Increased instances of traffic violations, particularly red-light and speeding, are on the rise ahead of Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and reflection, but it seems that for many drivers, the holiday period also brings a heightened risk of traffic violations. According to data from Verra Mobility Corporation, a leading provider of smart mobility technology, the most common traffic violations during the Thanksgiving holiday period in the United States are speeding and red-light running.
Last year, more than 150,000 speeding violations occurred over the Thanksgiving weekend, with the Wednesday before Thanksgiving seeing over 50,000 red-light violations [1]. These violations tend to surge during this holiday period, reflecting increased traffic and risky driving behaviors.
Jon Baldwin, the Executive Vice President of Government Solutions at Verra Mobility, emphasizes the increased dangers associated with holiday travel. "The additional distractions during the holidays can lead to more dangerous driving," Baldwin said.
The National Safety Council projects that 507 lives could be lost on U.S. roads this Thanksgiving. With such a high number of people hitting the road for their holiday destinations—AAA estimates 49.1 million Americans will travel—it's crucial for everyone to follow the rules of the road to avoid accidents.
Speeding contributes to one-third of all traffic deaths, making it crucial for everyone to stay within the speed limit. Verra Mobility's mission is focused on improving traffic safety through their high-tech solutions, which are deployed nationwide.
The data was collected by Verra Mobility Corporation across communities in 21 states, including high-traffic regions like California, Florida, and New York. In 2023, more than 57,000 red-light violations were recorded over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday period, with the majority occurring between noon and 4 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Verra Mobility encourages drivers to remain vigilant during Thanksgiving travel, emphasizing the importance of arriving safely. By following the rules of the road and staying focused on the journey, everyone can help make this Thanksgiving a safer one for all.
References: [1] Verra Mobility Corporation. (2021). Thanksgiving Travel: A Time for Reflection and Caution on the Road. Retrieved from https://www.verramobility.com/news/thanksgiving-travel-a-time-for-reflection-and-caution-on-the-road
The automotive industry, with a significant number of Americans traveling during Thanksgiving, needs to focus on improving mobility technology to reduce traffic violations like speeding and red-light running. As finance plays a crucial role in implementing advanced technology solutions, collaboration between the transportation sector, industry, and finance is essential to ensure safe travels.
During the Thanksgiving holiday period, high-tech solutions like Verra Mobility's smart mobility technology can help decrease the number of speeding and red-light violations, contributing to a safer holiday season for all.
