The Most Dangerous Holidays to Be on the Road in the U.S., Ranked
A nationwide analysis ranks the U.S. holidays with the highest number of fatal crashes.
Holiday travel brings families together, but it also puts millions of drivers on the road at once. Between long drives, alcohol consumption, and late-night celebrations, some holidays are far more dangerous than others.
A new study by Anidjar & Levine Personal Injury Lawyers analyzed 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to find out exactly which U.S. holidays see the most fatal crashes. Researchers examined 17 holidays, looking at fatal crash counts, DUI involvement, and time-of-day accident patterns. They then created a Holiday Road Risk Score — a 0–100 scale showing which days pose the greatest threat to drivers. Higher scores reflect higher risk.
“Understanding when roads are most dangerous can save lives,” says Marc Anidjar, Founding Senior Partner at Anidjar & Levine. “These numbers represent real families who’ve lost loved ones during what should have been happy occasions.”
10. Christmas Day — Risk Score: 41.67
Christmas may feel calm and cozy, but the roads tell a different story. The study found 84 fatal crashes and 94 deaths on December 25, many caused by fatigue or distraction. Drivers often underestimate the danger of holiday driving because traffic seems lighter. But tired, emotional, or rushed travelers can turn the day deadly.
9. New Year’s Eve — Risk Score: 54.13
As the countdown to midnight begins, so does the spike in risky behavior behind the wheel. In 2023, New Year’s Eve saw 93 fatal crashes and 103 deaths, many involving alcohol.
“Planning a safe ride home ahead of time makes all the difference,” Anidjar says. Late-night celebrations, combined with impaired driving, make this one of the year’s most hazardous nights on the road.
8. Veterans Day — Risk Score: 54.13
Veterans Day may not involve huge parties, but it still ranks high for fatal crashes, 99 in total, leading to 110 deaths. Nearly half of these occurred after dark. The quieter nature of the holiday can lull drivers into a false sense of security, but shorter daylight hours and end-of-year fatigue can be just as dangerous as busy travel periods.
7. Memorial Day — Risk Score: 56.20
The unofficial start of summer also marks one of the most accident-prone weekends of the year. With 115 fatal crashes and 128 deaths, Memorial Day travel combines crowded highways with high speeds and long-distance trips.
“Drivers underestimate fatigue and congestion,” says Anidjar, noting that extra caution can make a major difference during the first big weekend of summer travel.
6. Thanksgiving Day — Risk Score: 66.63
Thanksgiving is one of America’s busiest travel days, and it shows. The study recorded 117 fatal crashes and 133 deaths, with many happening late at night. Drowsy or distracted driving often plays a role after long dinners and heavy meals. “It’s about family and long drives — but tired drivers and dark roads make it more dangerous than people realize,” Anidjar explains.
5. St. Patrick’s Day — Risk Score: 68.73
With bar crawls and pub celebrations nationwide, St. Patrick’s Day predictably ranks high for DUIs. The report found 105 fatal crashes and 113 deaths, nearly one in five involving an impaired driver. “Even though people don’t usually travel far, the drinking culture around the holiday makes it one of the worst nights for drunk driving,” says Anidjar.
4. Labor Day — Risk Score: 72.90
The final long weekend of summer often means jam-packed highways and late-night returns home. In 2023, Labor Day saw 122 fatal crashes resulting in 140 deaths. “It’s the last hurrah before school starts,” Anidjar says. “Mix in heavy traffic, cookouts, and alcohol, and it becomes one of the most dangerous holidays of the year.”
3. Easter Sunday — Risk Score: 81.23
Easter might seem harmless, but it ranks third for driving danger, with 116 fatal crashes and 129 deaths. Nearly two-thirds of these crashes occurred after dark. “Families travel for holiday meals, and the nighttime crash rate is particularly high,” notes Anidjar. “Even a short drive after a long day of celebrating can turn tragic.”
2. Independence Day — Risk Score: 83.30
Between fireworks, barbecues, and long-distance trips, the Fourth of July consistently lands near the top for road fatalities. The study found 130 fatal crashes claiming 147 lives — more than half at night. “It’s a perfect storm of traffic, alcohol, and fatigue,” says Anidjar. “The roads are packed, and people are often driving home late after drinking.”
1. New Year’s Day — Risk Score: 100.00
The most dangerous day of all is New Year’s Day, with 138 fatal crashes and 153 deaths. Nearly 69% happened at night, and almost one-quarter involved drunk drivers. “Late-night parties and early-morning drives create a deadly mix,” Anidjar warns. “People are tired, impaired, and overconfident after celebrating — and it shows in the data.”
Expert Advice for Safer Holiday Travel
Anidjar recommends planning ahead, booking rideshares before celebrating, and avoiding late-night drives when alertness and visibility drop. “Responsible driving means recognizing when conditions are dangerous and adjusting,” he says. “These small choices can keep families together during what should be joyful celebrations.”
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