Why Holiday Car Traffic Fatalities Increase in the U.S?

Every year, millions of Americans take to the roads to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other major holidays. Unfortunately, with this surge in travel comes a sharp rise in car crashes and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council (NSC), the holiday season is one of the most dangerous times to drive.

This article explores why Holiday Car Traffic Fatalities increase, which holidays are most dangerous, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.

Are There More Car Accidents Around the Holidays?

Yes — studies consistently show that car accidents spike during major U.S. holidays. The NHTSA reports that holiday travel often results in 25–40% more road deaths than on non-holiday days. Factors like drunk driving, fatigue, weather, and heavy traffic all contribute to this alarming trend.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that over 400 people were killed on U.S. roads during the Thanksgiving 2023 holiday period alone, with around 46,000 serious injuries nationwide.

If you are reading this because you have already been involved in a holiday car wreck, contact us to help you.

What Holidays Have the Most Car Accidents?

The table below shows recent fatality estimates from NHTSA and NSC for major U.S. holidays:

Holiday	Average Fatalities per Year	Main Causes	Source
Thanksgiving	400–500 deaths	Alcohol, drowsy driving, long-distance travel	NSC, NHTSA
Christmas	300–350 deaths	Drunk driving, icy roads, fatigue	NSC, AAA
New Year’s	375–425 deaths	Alcohol impairment, speeding	NSC, NHTSA
Fourth of July	450–550 deaths	Alcohol use, high travel volume	NSC, DOT
Memorial Day	400–480 deaths	DUI, speeding, start of summer travel	NSC
Labor Day	420–460 deaths	Alcohol, congestion, fatigue	NSC
Source:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov)
• National Safety Council (NSC.org)
• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

As shown, the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving holidays see the highest fatality rates, largely due to alcohol-related crashes and long-distance travel.

What Month Has the Most Car Accidents?

While holidays cause short-term spikes, the winter months — especially December and January — record some of the most severe traffic accidents. Snow, rain, and reduced daylight increase the risk of collisions.

However, data from NHTSA also shows that August often leads in total crashes each year, due to summer travel and teenage drivers being out of school. So, while the end-of-year holidays are deadly, summer months have their own dangers.

Why Do Car Accidents Increase Around the Holidays?

Several overlapping factors contribute to the rise in holiday car traffic fatalities:

1. Alcohol-Impaired Driving

According to the NHTSA, nearly 40% of all holiday road deaths involve at least one drunk driver. Celebrations often include alcohol, and too many people underestimate their impairment.

In 2023, over 12,000 people died in alcohol-related crashes — the equivalent of one death every 45 minutes.

2. Fatigue and Drowsy Driving

Holiday travel frequently involves long distances, overnight drives, or back-to-back social events. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, slowing reaction times and impairing judgment.

3. Increased Traffic Volume

AAA predicted that over 115 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more during the 2023 holiday season, with 89% traveling by car. More vehicles mean higher congestion, slower response times, and more opportunities for collisions.

4. Adverse Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and ice are common during winter holidays, especially across northern states. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that 24% of weather-related crashes occur on snowy or icy roads.

5. Distracted Driving

Texting, GPS use, or managing children during long drives contributes to rising accident rates. A 2024 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) survey found that 1 in 3 drivers admitted to checking their phone while driving during holiday trips.

Why Is There So Much Traffic During the Holidays?

The short answer: everyone’s traveling at once. The end-of-year holidays coincide with school breaks, office closures, and family gatherings. According to INRIX Traffic Data (2023), traffic delays in major U.S. cities increased by up to 45% during the Christmas week compared to average weeks.
Peak congestion typically occurs:

• The day before Thanksgiving
• December 23rd
• New Year’s Eve afternoon

If you find yourself in one of these heavy-traffic periods, try to travel early in the morning or late at night to avoid the worst congestion.

How to Stay Safe During Holiday Travel

1. Avoid drinking and driving. Designate a sober driver or use rideshare apps.
2. Plan your route. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before you leave.
3. Take rest breaks every 2–3 hours. Combat fatigue with short stops or driver swaps.
4. Secure your vehicle. Make sure tires, wipers, and lights are in good condition.
5. Limit distractions. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving.

6. Drive defensively. Expect sudden stops or reckless behavior from others.

When to Contact a Lawyer After a Holiday Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured in a holiday car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.Find Out How Much You Can Sue for a California Car Accident

Conclusion

Holiday car traffic fatalities remain a serious — but preventable — problem. Increased alcohol consumption, fatigue, and congestion make the roads riskier during festive seasons.

By staying alert, planning ahead, and making responsible driving choices, you can help ensure that your celebrations don’t end in tragedy.