The 10 Most Dangerous States for Holiday Drivers, According to a New Study
The holidays might be full of cheer, but they’re also one of the riskiest times to hit the road. Between family gatherings, winter weather, and heavier traffic, crash rates tend to spike across the U.S.
A new study from Alana’s Bail Bonds analyzed fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) to determine the most dangerous states for drivers during November and December, the heart of the holiday season.
Researchers calculated the number of fatal crashes per 100,000 residents over a five-year period and identified when these accidents are most likely to occur, including the most common crash days and the riskiest hours on the road.
10. Oklahoma
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 12.72
Most common crash day: Saturday
Highest-risk hour: 6:00–6:59 p.m.
Oklahoma rounds out the top ten, with Saturdays proving to be the most dangerous day to drive. The state’s wide network of rural highways and unpredictable winter conditions may contribute to the higher rates of fatal accidents during the holidays.
9. Tennessee
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 12.84
Most common crash day: Friday
Highest-risk hour: 5:00–5:59 p.m.
Tennessee drivers should be extra cautious as the weekend kicks off. The state’s combination of busy interstates and early-evening congestion appears to make Friday evenings particularly hazardous.
8. Montana
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 12.95
Most common crash day: Friday
Highest-risk hour: 5:00–5:59 p.m.
Montana’s scenic routes can turn treacherous when snow and ice hit. The state consistently reports high fatality rates in winter months, especially along long rural stretches where emergency response times are slower.
7. Wyoming
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 14.23
Most common crash day: Wednesday
Highest-risk hour: 9:00–9:59 a.m.
Unlike most other states, Wyoming’s peak crash hour happens mid-morning. Icy roads, wildlife crossings, and heavy truck traffic may all play a role in these mid-day dangers.
6. Louisiana
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 14.74
Most common crash day: Friday
Highest-risk hour: 6:00–6:59 p.m.
Friday nights in Louisiana are especially deadly for drivers. From New Orleans to rural parishes, congestion mixed with pre-weekend celebrations may heighten risk.
5. Arkansas
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 14.77
Most common crash day: Friday
Highest-risk hour: 6:00–6:59 p.m.
Arkansas closely follows, with fatal crashes peaking as daylight fades. The combination of narrow country roads and increased travel around the holidays makes evening driving more dangerous.
4. Alabama
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 14.78
Most common crash day: Saturday
Highest-risk hour: 5:00–5:59 p.m.
Holiday weekends are particularly risky in Alabama. Traffic surges on interstates and rural roads alike, and dusk hours tend to bring the most fatalities.
3. South Carolina
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 15.42
Most common crash day: Friday
Highest-risk hour: 6:00–6:59 p.m.
South Carolina consistently ranks high for road fatalities nationwide. During the holidays, Fridays see the sharpest uptick, coinciding with end-of-week travel and nighttime visibility issues.
2. New Mexico
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 15.66
Most common crash day: Friday
Highest-risk hour: 6:00–6:59 p.m.
New Mexico ranks second overall, with desert highways and long nighttime drives proving especially perilous. The data show crashes clustering around dusk, when visibility drops sharply.
1. Mississippi
Fatal crashes per 100,000 residents: 17.50
Most common crash day: Saturday
Highest-risk hour: 5:00–5:59 p.m.
Mississippi is the deadliest state for holiday drivers. With 17.5 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents, it far exceeds the national average. Saturdays are particularly dangerous, and most crashes occur just before sunset — a reminder that even short holiday errands can carry serious risks.
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