Allstate helps millions navigate Thanksgiving travel with new safety and congestion insights

When and how are drivers most at risk?
Unlike traditional travel forecasts, Allstate's analysis looks at how Americans actually drive. Allstate's safe driving program,Drivewise, in the Allstate mobile app, offers real-time insights that promote safer driving habits. Based on trips from roughly 2 million customers, here's what the data reveals about driving behavior during Thanksgiving week:*

• Phone handling jumps Tuesday night and Sunday evening – Up 10% as drivers head out and return home from holiday plans.
• Speeding peaks Sunday morning – Up 11% as drivers race home from the long weekend.
• Hard braking surges Thursday midday – Up 13%, likely from last-minute errands and local congestion.

Allstate Safety Expert Brian Tidwell said, "Drivewise shows distraction and urgency tend to spike during holiday travel. That's why we created tools like Drivewise to help drivers stay focused and encourage safer habits behind the wheel."

When should you hit the road?
Allstate data shows clear patterns in Thanksgiving congestion. Plan around peak windows to avoid heavy traffic. But remember, nighttime driving brings risks like low visibility, fatigue and impaired drivers.

Least busy times to travel:

• Evenings (7–10 p.m.) and late nights (10 p.m.–1 a.m.) are consistently the least congested.
• Morning rush hours (7–11 a.m.) – especially Thursday and Friday – are among the safest.

Most congested times to travel:

• Lunch hours (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) dominate as the busiest window throughout the week.
• Afternoons (3–7 p.m.) Monday-Wednesday also show notable congestion spikes.

Where will holiday traffic surge?
Last year, these cities saw an average 46% jump in out-of-state traffic making them prime congestion hotspots again this season. Expect an influx of out-of-state drivers in metro areas, and secondary markets including:

• Phoenix, AZ
• Jacksonville, FL
• Columbus, OH
• Indianapolis, IN
• Oklahoma City, OK

When does Allstate Roadside often see breakdowns?
The days before Thanksgiving rank among the busiest of the year for Allstate Roadside. Last year, the number of roadside service events on Monday before Thanksgiving was 20% higher than average.

Expect longer wait times for help, especially on peak travel days. Need help fast? Request Allstate Roadside assistance through the Allstate mobile app. Choose from three service options, including pay-per-use.

Winter driving risks: Which cities change the most?
Allstate claims data shows some cities in the Allstate America's Best Drivers Report experience sharp declines in driving safety during the late fall and winter months (November–March), compared to their year-round rankings:**

• Madison, WI –