It’s not surprising that millions of people in the U.S. will be hitting the roads in the coming days. However, what might catch you off-guard is the number of drivers who won’t be paying attention.

The amount of distracted driving on Thanksgiving peaks, making it one of the most dangerous days on the roads, second only to Christmas Day. A recent study from Cambridge Mobile Telematics reveals that drivers spend nearly two and a half minutes interacting with their smartphones each hour while driving during these holidays.

In the last four years, incidents of distracted driving on Thanksgiving and Christmas have resulted in over 3,200 accidents, 1,800 injuries, and 15 fatalities, according to estimates from CMT. Their research suggests that the number of deaths caused by distracted and intoxicated drivers were almost equal in 2021.

How holiday distractions increase driving risk

Since 2013, CMT has utilized smartphone sensors to monitor driver distractions. Based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, they have now integrated a range of data from smartphones, apps, and vehicle sensors. Their AI technology provides insights into car safety, prominently featuring phone usage.

With a record number of travelers this Thanksgiving, road dangers are likely to escalate. The AAA predicts that about 80 million people will travel from November 26 to December 2, with approximately 71.7 million of them driving over 50 miles.

Even without distractions, the influx of cars increases the risk of incidents. According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway, the greater volume of vehicles leads to less room to maneuver, heightening the chances of accidents.

“More vehicles mean less space and a higher risk of collisions,” Ridgeway explained. “With more drivers on the road, mistakes can lead to accidents.”

Popular apps used by drivers

So, what are drivers most engaged with while behind the wheel? According to CMT, during 2023, drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 30 seconds on their phones every hour of driving. A survey of 1,200 U.S. drivers revealed their top 30 apps used while driving:

Optimal driving times during Thanksgiving week

If you want to minimize encounters with other drivers, AAA has outlined the best and worst driving times for the upcoming days. Interestingly, AAA notes that Thanksgiving Day itself has fewer traffic problems than other days—though distracted driving persists.

◾ Wed, Nov. 27 | Best: Before 11 a.m. | Worst: 1-5 p.m.

◾ Fri, Nov. 29 | Best: After 1 p.m. | Worst: 7-10 a.m.

◾ Sat, Nov. 30 | Best: Before 1 p.m. | Worst: 4-8 p.m.

◾ Sun, Dec. 1 | Best: Before 1 p.m. | Worst: 12-6 p.m.

◾ Mon, Dec. 2 | Best: Before 8 a.m., after 7 p.m. | Worst: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.