Auto Insurance
Holiday Driving Is 13.9% More Dangerous — Here Are the Deadliest States and Cities
It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year, but that special period is also among the most dangerous on the roads. Holiday travel often means more cars taking longer journeys. Drivers sometimes may be under the influence of holiday festivities. And poor weather can add another layer of risk during the winter holidays.
The newest ValuePenguin study examines motor vehicle deaths during five key holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We examine data nationally and by state, city, circumstances and more.
Our research highlights the importance of being sober behind the wheel: 38.0% of holiday motor vehicle fatalities in the past five years were due to alcohol-impaired driving — 27.7% higher than the nonholiday equivalent.
On this page
- Key findings
- 11,100 died in motor vehicle crashes during major holidays
- By state, holiday crash fatality rates worst in Montana, best in Massachusetts
- By city, holiday crash fatality rates worst in Memphis, Tenn., Detroit, St. Louis
- Holidays 13.9% more dangerous for drivers than nonholidays
- Alcohol-impaired driving significantly higher during holidays
- Thanksgiving deadliest for pedestrians
- 5 holiday driving safety tips
- Methodology
Key findings
- From 2018 through 2022, 11,100 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Labor Day had the highest number of crash fatalities in this period at 2,462, ahead of Thanksgiving (2,456) and Memorial Day (2,292).
- The average holiday crash fatality rate was 3.35 deaths per 100,000 residents. Montana was the deadliest state for holiday driving from 2018 through 2022 with 6.78 crash fatalities per 100,000 residents, ahead of Mississippi (6.25) and Wyoming (5.88). The least deadly states for holiday driving were Massachusetts (1.32 fatalities per 100,000), Rhode Island (1.55) and New York (1.61).
- Memphis, Tenn., had the highest holiday crash fatality rate among the 100 largest U.S. cities, at 9.68 per 100,000 residents. Detroit and St. Louis followed with 7.54 and 6.04 fatalities per 100,000 residents.
- Holidays were 13.9% more dangerous than nonholidays. On average, 123 people died daily in motor vehicle crashes during the tracked 2018-to-2022 holidays, versus 108 on nonholidays in the same period. States most dangerous on holidays compared to nonholidays were Delaware (71.4% higher), the District of Columbia (66.7%) and Connecticut (58.8%). Only three states were less dangerous on holidays: Utah (12.7% less), Kentucky (2.4%) and Massachusetts (1.0%).
- 38.0% of holiday fatalities in the studied period were due to alcohol-impaired driving — 27.7% higher than nonholidays (29.7%). Memorial Day and Fourth of July had the highest alcohol-related fatality rates, with 40.2% of crash deaths attributed to drunken drivers. Speeding-related crashes accounted for 31.1% of holiday fatalities, while distracted drivers accounted for 7.4%.
- Thanksgiving was the most dangerous holiday for pedestrians, while Memorial Day was the safest. 1,841 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in the studied period, or 16.6% of fatalities. On Thanksgiving, this figure spiked to 21.0%. In contrast, it was 12.7% for Memorial Day.
11,100 died in motor vehicle crashes during major holidays
A total of 11,100 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays from 2018 through 2022, according to a ValuePenguin analysis of the latest data available. Of that total, the largest amount died during the Labor Day holiday (2,462), followed by Thanksgiving (2,456) and Memorial Day (2,292).
Note: Our data tracks deaths during the holiday periods determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Labor Day and Memorial Day cover three whole days from Friday evening to Tuesday morning, while Thanksgiving is four days starting the Wednesday before until the following Monday morning. Fourth of July and Christmas vary based on the day of the week on which they fall. This can explain why their totals are lower.
Motor vehicle fatalities during holidays
Holiday | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day | 439 | 464 | 405 | 482 | 502 | 2,292 |
| Fourth of July | 194 | 516 | 494 | 537 | 487 | 2,228 |
| Labor Day | 448 | 456 | 533 | 535 | 490 | 2,462 |
| Thanksgiving | 442 | 424 | 523 | 539 | 528 | 2,456 |
| Christmas | 435 | 147 | 347 | 402 | 331 | 1,662 |
| Holiday fatalities | 1,958 | 2,007 | 2,302 | 2,495 | 2,338 | 11,100 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data.
Holidays tend to be busy travel times, which can lead to more congested roadways and more fatigued drivers.
Additionally, alcohol figures into many holiday celebrations, which can lead to an increase in impaired drivers (as we’ll explore below). We’ll also consider the effects of speeding, drowsy driving and distracted driving, all of which have played a part in the fatalities analyzed.
Deadliest holiday was Thanksgiving 2021; deadliest day was July 4
While the Labor Day holiday period had the highest number of deaths, our data also breaks down the numbers for individual holidays (and days).
The deadliest holiday period in our study was Thanksgiving 2021, when 539 people died in motor vehicle crashes. 2021’s Fourth of July holiday period came in second with 537 deaths, 173 of which occurred on the day itself.
Labor Day 2021 came in third with 535 deaths, suggesting that perhaps the first full year of the pandemic saw revelers bouncing back with extra fervor after a stir-crazy slate of isolated 2020 holidays.
Meanwhile, 2019’s Christmas holiday period enjoyed the lowest number of motor vehicle deaths in our study (147). (The NHTSA period for this holiday was Tuesday evening to Thursday morning — including only one whole day.) Christmas as a whole was the holiday with the lowest fraction of total holiday motor vehicle fatalities: 1,662 across the five years analyzed.
Overall, Independence Day’s explosive nature translates to it being the single deadliest day of the year, with 716 deaths recorded on the Fourths of July from 2018 through 2022. On average, six people died in crashes each hour on those days.
By state, holiday crash fatality rates worst in Montana, best in Massachusetts
The holiday crash fatality rate nationally was 3.35 deaths per 100,000 residents, but figures vary widely by state. The wide-open spaces of Big Sky Country mean longer drives, which may explain why Montana was the deadliest state for holiday driving during the studied period, with a crash fatality rate of 6.78 such deaths per 100,000 residents.
Mississippi came in second with a holiday crash fatality rate of 6.25 per 100,000 residents, followed by Wyoming with 5.88.
Like Montana, Wyoming has sparse and spread-out population centers that may lead to longer drives, which could mean more driver fatigue and more time to get into a crash.
And that’s not to mention the extreme weather these northerly states see in the winter. Extremely cold temperatures can mean ice-covered roads, one of the most dangerous conditions for drivers. Each state also has mountainous areas that add twists, turns, inclines and declines to the list of potential perils.
While Mississippi is flat and its winters are relatively mild, the state’s Department of Health claims that motor vehicle crashes are its No. 1 cause of injury-related deaths.
Most dangerous states for holiday driving
Rank | State | Holiday fatalities (2018-22) | Holiday fatalities per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 74 | 6.78 |
| 2 | Mississippi | 185 | 6.25 |
| 3 | Wyoming | 34 | 5.88 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS and U.S. Census Bureau data.
Conversely, Massachusetts enjoys the lowest holiday crash fatality rate at 1.32 such deaths per 100,000 residents, followed by Rhode Island (1.55) and New York (1.61).
Although inclement weather affects all three of these Northeast states during the winter, Massachusetts and New York have significant public transit systems in their major population centers (Boston and New York City). Meanwhile, Rhode Island’s small size may mean fewer people travel long distances to spend time with family.
Least dangerous states for holiday driving
Rank | State | Holiday fatalities (2018-22) | Holiday fatalities per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 92 | 1.32 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 17 | 1.55 |
| 3 | New York | 322 | 1.61 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS and U.S. Census Bureau data.
Full rankings
Most/least dangerous states for holiday driving
Rank | State | Holiday fatalities (2018-22) | Holiday fatalities per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 74 | 6.78 |
| 2 | Mississippi | 185 | 6.25 |
| 3 | Wyoming | 34 | 5.88 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 295 | 5.74 |
| 5 | New Mexico | 116 | 5.49 |
| 6 | Delaware | 54 | 5.43 |
| 7 | South Dakota | 48 | 5.39 |
| 8 | Alabama | 264 | 5.25 |
| 9 | Arkansas | 153 | 5.07 |
| 10 | Louisiana | 234 | 5.04 |
| 11 | Oklahoma | 195 | 4.91 |
| 12 | Tennessee | 314 | 4.54 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS and U.S. Census Bureau data.
By city, holiday crash fatality rates worst in Memphis, Tenn., Detroit, St. Louis
Along with analyzing holiday crash fatality rates by state, we also considered and ranked the 100 largest U.S. metros by this statistic. (We’re only highlighting the top 10 here.)
Memphis, Tenn., has the dubious honor of landing at the top, with a holiday crash fatality rate of 9.68 per 100,000 residents — almost triple the national average. Memphis landed at the top of ConsumerAffairs’ list of worst drivers in America in both 2023 and 2024.
Detroit comes in second on our list, with a holiday crash fatality rate of 7.54, followed by St. Louis at 6.04.
Each of the top three cities has a median household income substantially below the national median, with Detroit being, on average, the lowest — $37,761 a year, compared to the national median of $75,149.
That dynamic may leave drivers with fewer funds to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and in good repair — or increase stress that could lead to fatigue or distracted driving.
10 most dangerous cities for holiday driving
Rank | City | Holiday fatalities (2018-22) | Holiday fatalities per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis, TN | 61 | 9.68 |
| 2 | Detroit, MI | 48 | 7.54 |
| 3 | St. Louis, MO | 18 | 6.04 |
| 4 | Albuquerque, NM | 33 | 5.87 |
| 5 | Dallas, TX | 74 | 5.69 |
| 6 | Charlotte, NC | 49 | 5.60 |
| 7 | Atlanta, GA | 26 | 5.25 |
| 8 | Greensboro, NC | 15 | 5.05 |
| 9 | Glendale, AZ | 12 | 4.84 |
| 10 | Wichita, KS | 19 | 4.80 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS and U.S. Census Bureau data.
Holidays 13.9% more dangerous for drivers than nonholidays
Nationally, holiday driving is substantially more dangerous for drivers than nonholiday driving: There were 13.9% more daily driving fatalities on holidays in the U.S. than during the rest of the year.
Specifics vary by state. In Delaware, for example, holiday driving is a whopping 71.4% more dangerous than nonholiday driving — putting it at the top of the list. That could be due to the state’s small size and proximity to a variety of major population centers like Philadelphia and Baltimore crowding up the highway system.
Close to Delaware’s holiday congestion, Washington, D.C., comes in second. Our nation’s capital city is 66.7% more dangerous for drivers on holidays than nonholidays in its own right (again, perhaps, owing to a glut of travelers on a relatively small road system).
Connecticut, which comes in third on our list at 58.8% more dangerous for holiday driving, is in a similar position, with a small-ish state positioned between the major population centers of New York and Boston. Overall, our data found that 58.1% of holiday fatalities occurred in urban areas, while 41.5% were in rural zones.
Only three states were lucky enough to be less dangerous for drivers during the holidays: Utah, where holiday driving is 12.7% safer than nonholiday driving, Kentucky (where it’s 2.4% safer) and Massachusetts (1.0%).
Most/least dangerous states for holiday driving (compared to nonholidays)
Rank | State | Holiday fatalities (2018-22) | Holiday fatalities per day | Nonholiday fatalities (2018-22) | Nonholiday fatalities per day | % difference between holidays and nonholidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 54 | 0.60 | 603 | 0.35 | 71.4% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 14 | 0.15 | 149 | 0.09 | 66.7% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 115 | 1.27 | 1,388 | 0.80 | 58.8% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 48 | 0.53 | 610 | 0.35 | 51.4% |
| 5 | Montana | 74 | 0.82 | 956 | 0.55 | 49.1% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 34 | 0.38 | 470 | 0.27 | 40.7% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 42 | 0.46 | 574 | 0.33 | 39.4% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 209 | 2.31 | 2,875 | 1.66 | 39.2% |
| 9 | Iowa | 114 | 1.26 | 1,578 | 0.91 | 38.5% |
| 10 | Idaho | 75 | 0.83 | 1,085 | 0.63 | 31.7% |
| 11 | Michigan | 330 | 3.65 | 4,980 | 2.87 | 27.2% |
| 12 | Hawaii | 32 | 0.35 | 488 | 0.28 | 25.0% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
Alcohol-impaired driving significantly higher during holidays
Alcohol isn’t the only reason holiday driving tends to be more dangerous than driving during other parts of the year.
"Holiday stress can make drivers careless and distracted behind the wheel," ValuePenguin auto insurance expert Divya Sangameshwar says. There are also literally millions of extra drivers on the road, she says — "with many opting to drive to visit family, citing affordability and convenience."
Still, alcohol plays a huge, and tragically avoidable, part in the equation. More than a third of holiday crash fatalities — 38.0% — were caused by alcohol-impaired driving. That’s 27.7% higher than during nonholidays, when 29.7% of crashes involve a drunken driver.
High summer spirits can literally come crashing down with devastating consequences: Memorial Day (which falls in late May) and the Fourth of July see the highest alcohol-related crash fatality rates, tying at a harrowing 40.2% of such deaths.
After driving under the influence, speeding has the next biggest impact, with 31.1% of holiday crash deaths being caused by excessive hurry behind the wheel. Along with their potential to lead to heartbreaking consequences, both drunken driving and speeding are, of course, illegal in all 50 states — and can also affect car insurance rates.
"Car insurance companies generally ask for rate increases from the state insurance commissioner if their costs of doing business have increased related to accidents, claims costs and car thefts," Sangameshwar says. More impaired or speeding drivers can mean more accidents, which can mean higher costs for everyone — and skyrocketing costs for those caught in the act.
"Drivers who cause an accident or receive a ticket will see their auto insurance premiums increase by an average of 52%," she explains, citing ValuePenguin’s 2024 State of Auto Insurance report. "DUIs, the most expensive traffic violation, will raise rates by an average of 84%."
Motor vehicle fatalities during holidays (by characteristics)
Holiday | Fatalities caused by distracted driver | % | Fatalities caused by drowsy driver | % | Fatalities caused by speeding driver | % | Fatalities caused by driver with high BAC | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day | 178 | 7.8% | 44 | 1.9% | 733 | 32.0% | 921 | 40.2% |
| Fourth of July | 190 | 8.5% | 32 | 1.4% | 685 | 30.7% | 896 | 40.2% |
| Labor Day | 178 | 7.2% | 41 | 1.7% | 794 | 32.3% | 959 | 39.0% |
| Thanksgiving | 170 | 6.9% | 40 | 1.6% | 724 | 29.5% | 833 | 33.9% |
| Christmas | 101 | 6.1% | 29 | 1.7% | 516 | 31.0% | 605 | 36.4% |
| Holiday fatalities | 817 | 7.4% | 186 | 1.7% | 3,452 | 31.1% | 4,214 | 38.0% |
| Total fatalities | 15,960 | 8.1% | 3,508 | 1.8% | 55,248 | 27.9% | 59,773 | 30.2% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
After driving under the influence and speeding, distracted driving ranked next, causing 7.4% of holiday crash deaths, followed by drowsy driving (1.7%) — though both of these rates are higher on nonholidays (8.1% and 1.8%, respectively).
Still, any moment spent behind the wheel without appropriate focus is dangerous and potentially deadly — and the ubiquity of cellphones has led to an epidemic of distracted driving.
Thanksgiving deadliest for pedestrians
You don’t have to be driving — or even riding in — a car to be affected by holiday driving dangers. Pedestrians and bicyclists, too, are often involved in such accidents. Thanksgiving proved to be the deadliest holiday during the studied period for those traveling on foot: A total of 515 pedestrians died in motor vehicle fatalities during the November holiday period.
Thanksgiving is famous for "Turkey Trot" races, which may lead to more pedestrians on the roadway at the same time as motorists.
Conversely, Memorial Day proved to be the safest for pedestrians, with a relatively low 292 fatalities during the studied period.
Motor vehicle fatalities during holidays (by involvement)
Holiday | Driver fatalities | % | Passenger fatalities | % | Pedestrian fatalities | % | Bicyclist fatalities | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day | 1,472 | 64.2% | 460 | 20.1% | 292 | 12.7% | 48 | 2.1% |
| Fourth of July | 1,414 | 63.5% | 436 | 19.6% | 307 | 13.8% | 53 | 2.4% |
| Labor Day | 1,541 | 62.6% | 455 | 18.5% | 393 | 16.0% | 59 | 2.4% |
| Thanksgiving | 1,407 | 57.3% | 467 | 19.0% | 515 | 21.0% | 45 | 1.8% |
| Christmas | 964 | 58.0% | 323 | 19.4% | 334 | 20.1% | 25 | 1.5% |
| Holiday fatalities | 6,798 | 61.2% | 2,141 | 19.3% | 1,841 | 16.6% | 230 | 2.1% |
| Total fatalities | 125,049 | 63.2% | 32,281 | 16.3% | 34,203 | 17.3% | 4,721 | 2.4% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
5 holiday driving safety tips
Driving safely is important every time you get behind the wheel. But as we’ve seen, the stakes can be even higher during the holidays. Here are five simple tips for safe driving during the holidays — and any time of year.
- Drunken driving: Just don’t. You might think you’re fine, but your life — and the safety of those around you — isn’t worth the risk. If you’re planning to drink at a holiday party, take a taxi or a rideshare, or agree ahead of time on who will stay sober as the designated driver.
- Put your phone in airplane mode. Texting and driving is a terrible habit — and increasingly illegal (though not yet in every state). If you know where you’re going, consider turning off your phone and putting it in the glove compartment to avoid temptation. If you need to use the built-in map, consider putting it in airplane mode. It won’t automatically update with traffic conditions, but basic GPS should still work.
- Know how to handle winter weather — before you get there. Driving in inclement conditions is a skill. If you don’t do it often, you’re at a dangerous disadvantage. Review winter driving tips like accelerating and braking slowly in snow, and learn about your car’s braking system ahead of time. Antilock brakes work differently than conventional ones and could help you better navigate tough weather, but if you can avoid driving through snow or ice entirely, all the better.
- Review your car insurance coverage before holiday travel — and consider adding rental car reimbursement. "Having comprehensive and collision insurance will help if you get into a crash with an uninsured driver, or with a building, tree or wild animal," Sangameshwar says. And if one of those unfortunate events should happen, rental car reimbursement could help ensure you’ll be able to finish your trip without breaking the bank.
- If you’re renting a car for your trip, know what your insurance covers ahead of time. "Most auto insurance policies provide equivalent coverage for a rental car that’s used for personal purposes," Sangameshwar explains, but you’ll still want to confirm before you deny coverage at the counter. "If you don’t have comprehensive or collision coverage, or you’re renting a luxury vehicle that your insurer won’t cover, you can purchase a loss-damage waiver, or LDW, from the rental company," she goes on. Either way, though, "stand-alone rental car insurance should be the last resort, as it can nearly double the cost of your rental."
Methodology
ValuePenguin researchers analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data, focusing on people killed in fatal crashes during holidays. The data covers the five years from 2018 to 2022 — the latest available.
The holidays (and their respective periods, as set by the NHTSA) researchers analyzed:
- Memorial Day (6 p.m. Friday to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday from 2018 to 2022; three whole days each period)
- Fourth of July (6 p.m. Tuesday to 5:59 a.m. Thursday in 2018; 6 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday in 2019; 6 p.m. Thursday to 5:59 a.m. Monday in 2020; 6 p.m. Friday to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday in 2021; 6 p.m. Friday to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday in 2022; one, four, three, three and three days, respectively)
- Labor Day (6 p.m. Friday to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday from 2018 to 2022; three days each period)
- Thanksgiving (6 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday from 2018 to 2022; four days each period)
- Christmas (6 p.m. Friday to 5:59 a.m. Wednesday in 2018; 6 p.m. Tuesday to 5:59 a.m. Thursday in 2019; 6 p.m. Thursday to 5:59 a.m. Monday in 2020; 6 p.m. Thursday to 5:59 a.m. Monday in 2021; 6 p.m. Friday to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday in 2022; four, one, three, three and three days, respectively)
To calculate the motor vehicle fatality rate per 100,000 people in each state, we used the U.S. Census Bureau 2022 American Community Survey with five-year estimates. We also calculated the fatality rate per 100,000 people in the 100 most populous cities, focusing on the 10 with the highest rates.