Thanksgiving weekend in Georgia is a time for family, football, travel, and celebration. But with millions of people driving across Atlanta, Metro counties, and major interstates, the long holiday stretch continues to be one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year.
For anyone traveling across Atlanta, Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, or throughout Georgia, staying alert is more critical than ever. And if an accident happens, contacting The Perazzo Law Firm at 888-PERAZZO can help protect your rights and guide you through the insurance and injury-claim process correctly from day one.
Why Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 Is Projected to Be High-Risk in Georgia
State and local agencies, from the Georgia Department of Public Safety to Atlanta Police, GSP, and GDOT, are already reporting elevated crash activity in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
Here’s what’s driving the surge:
Heavier Traffic Than Previous Years
AAA expects 57+ million Americans to travel 50 or more miles, with Atlanta projected to be one of the top three most congested cities in the country between Wednesday and Sunday.
Recent Georgia Crash Patterns (Fall 2025)
Law enforcement across Metro Atlanta has reported spikes in:
- Hit-and-runs on I-285, I-20, and SR-400
- Rear-end crashes around Lenox Mall, Cumberland, Atlantic Station, and The Battery
- Pedestrian accidents near Marta stations, college campuses, and shopping centers
- Black Friday-related parking lot collisions across Gwinnett Place, Perimeter Mall, and Tanger Outlets
- Holiday motorcycle crashes on GA-316, I-75, and country backroads
Longer Celebrations
Students returning home from UGA, Georgia Tech, KSU, GSU, and SCAD create crowded nightlife areas, especially in Midtown, Buckhead, Athens, and Savannah. This leads to:
- Higher alcohol consumption
- Increased rideshare usage
- More late-night travel on dangerous roadways
Digital Distraction in High-Traffic Zones
Georgia’s “Hands-Free” law hasn’t stopped the rise of cell-phone-related accidents, especially on:
- I-85 through Gwinnett
- I-75 from Downtown to Kennesaw
- I-285 East & West
- GA-400 through Sandy Springs
- US-78 through Stone Mountain
Motorcycle Activity
Georgia’s mild late-November weather continues to draw riders out—leading to increased motorcycle collisions, especially in:
- Helen / North Georgia mountains
- I-20 West corridor
- I-75 South toward Macon
- Scenic routes connecting small towns and lakes
Georgia’s Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Warning
Airports across the country are bracing for the busiest Thanksgiving travel event in U.S. history, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, is expected to lead the nation.
TSA forecasts:
- 2.8–3 million screenings nationwide on the Sunday after Thanksgiving
- Record traffic through ATL from Wednesday to Monday
- Potential delays due to weather systems moving across the Southeast
On Georgia roads, congestion and crash rates peak on:
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving
Black Friday (late night)
Sunday afternoon & evening
Major Thanksgiving Weekend Crash Types in Georgia
The same five categories dominate Georgia every year—but 2025 numbers are rising.
| Accident Type | Contributing Factors | Why It Spikes on Thanksgiving Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run | Congestion, panic, impaired drivers | High speeds + mall traffic + nightlife areas |
| Distracted Driving (Cell Phones) | Texting, GPS, music apps | Heavy congestion on I-285, I-85, GA-400, I-20 |
| Drunk Driving | Parties, bars, college gatherings | Holiday meetups + football games + late nights |
| Pedestrian Accidents | Poor lighting, crowds, crosswalk violations | Malls, Marta zones, stadium areas |
| Motorcycle Crashes | Speed, blind spots, distracted drivers | Warm weather encourages more holiday riding |
Top High-Risk Areas in Atlanta During Thanksgiving Weekend
These are the corridors that traditionally see the highest holiday crash volume:
Major Interstates & Highways
- I-285 “The Perimeter” – most dangerous loop in GA
- I-75 / I-85 Downtown Connector – dense traffic + constant lane changes
- I-85 in Gwinnett – heavy suburban congestion
- I-20 East & West – long-distance travel + speeding
- GA-400 – holiday mall traffic around Lenox / Buckhead & Perimeter
- I-75 North (Cobb/Kennesaw) – high-volume shopping areas
- I-75 South (Clayton/Henry County) – families traveling toward Florida
Shopping & Event Hotspots
- Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza
- The Battery ATL
- Cumberland Mall
- Atlantic Station
- Perimeter Mall
- Tanger Outlets (Locust Grove & Commerce)
- Mall of Georgia (Buford)
Pedestrian-Heavy Areas
- Midtown Atlanta nightlife
- Buckhead bars and restaurants
- UGA/Athens downtown
- Savannah Riverfront
- Marta stations during peak travel
Holiday Safety Tips for Georgia Drivers
- Avoid peak travel times: Wed. evening, Black Friday night, and Sun. afternoon
- Check alternate routes using Waze/GDOT cameras
- Stay completely off your phone when traffic slows
- Do not drink and drive – period
- Inspect your vehicle: tire pressure, lights, brakes, fluids
- Use rideshare smartly: verify the driver, share your route, sit in the backseat
If an Accident Happens — Call The Perazzo Law Firm
Jonathan Perazzo and his legal team assist accident victims across Atlanta, North Georgia, and all surrounding communities.
The firm helps with:
- Crash investigation & obtaining evidence
- Filing and negotiating insurance claims
- Rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft)
- Hit-and-run accidents
- DUI-related collisions
- Pedestrian and motorcycle injuries
- Zero-Out-of-Pocket Fees for clients
Call 888-PERAZZO or contact us online immediately after a crash.
Always seek medical attention if you feel any discomfort, many injuries worsen over time. And remember: You don’t have forever to file a claim in Georgia.
