Holiday Driving Fatalities: Why the Risk Is 14% Higher

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable After Holiday Traffic Tragedies Nationwide

Why Holiday Roads Are More Dangerous Than You Think

As Americans prepare for cherished holiday gatherings, there’s an alarming and often overlooked risk: holiday road travel is significantly more dangerous than driving at other times of the year. According to a five-year national study, fatal crashes increase by nearly 14% during holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The findings show an average of 123 people lose their lives in car accidents every day during these holiday periods, compared to 108 daily fatalities on non-holidays. These tragedies are not just numbers—they represent lost lives, shattered families, and preventable loss caused by negligent drivers, intoxicated motorists, and hazardous road conditions.

Our New York car accident law firm is committed to representing those harmed by the unique dangers of holiday driving. We help families seek justice in wrongful death claims and represent survivors injured by reckless or impaired drivers. If your loved one was harmed or killed in a holiday crash, you may have the right to pursue compensation.

The Alarming Statistics Behind Holiday Traffic Deaths

Between 2018 and 2022, 11,100 people were killed in car accidents during the five major holiday periods. Labor Day was the deadliest, with 2,462 fatalities, closely followed by Thanksgiving (2,456) and Memorial Day (2,292). Even single-day holidays like the Fourth of July proved deadly, recording over 2,200 deaths in that five-year span.

In fact, July 4th is now recognized as the single deadliest day of the year for traffic fatalities, with 716 deaths reported across the study period. That averages out to six deaths per hour.

States with the highest fatality rates included Montana, Mississippi, and Wyoming. Major cities such as Memphis, Detroit, and St. Louis reported the worst fatality rates per capita during holiday periods, raising concerns about urban road conditions, enforcement gaps, and socioeconomic barriers to safe driving.

Why the Holidays Increase Traffic Risks

There are several contributing factors that make holiday travel more dangerous:

• Increased travel volume: Millions of Americans hit the road to see family or take vacations, leading to congested highways and fatigued drivers.
• Alcohol-impaired driving: 38% of holiday-related traffic deaths involved alcohol—a rate nearly 28% higher than non-holiday periods. Memorial Day and the Fourth of July each saw alcohol-related fatalities exceed 40%.
• Speeding: More than 30% of fatal holiday crashes involved speeding, a preventable and deadly behavior.
• Distracted and drowsy driving: While less frequent, these behaviors remain a substantial risk, especially when drivers are traveling long distances or using phones for directions.

Drivers under the influence, combined with longer drive times and poor weather, create a lethal mix during the holidays. Tragically, pedestrians are also at increased risk, especially during Thanksgiving, when over 500 pedestrian deaths were recorded.

States and Cities with the Highest Risk

According to crash data:

• Montana reported a shocking 6.78 deaths per 100,000 residents during holidays.
• Memphis, TN, experienced 9.68 holiday deaths per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the national average.
• New York and Massachusetts had the lowest fatality rates, likely due to high public transit use and shorter travel distances.

High-risk regions often experience longer travel times, extreme weather, and under-resourced road safety infrastructure, all of which increase the chances of a deadly crash. In some cases, poor urban planning or inadequate law enforcement may also contribute.

Common Types of Holiday Crash Injuries

Victims who survive these collisions often suffer life-altering injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage or paralysis
• Severe burns or disfigurement
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Broken bones requiring surgery and rehabilitation

Families of those killed face not only emotional devastation but also the loss of companionship, income, and future support. These consequences demand legal accountability.

Legal Rights of Victims and Families

If you or your loved one was harmed in a holiday traffic crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death compensation for surviving family members

Our national civil litigation team investigates these crashes thoroughly—reviewing police reports, accident reconstructions, toxicology screens, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to build the strongest possible claim. Insurance companies often try to reduce or deny liability, but with skilled legal representation, families can demand full accountability.

What To Do If You Were Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Holiday Crash

Acting quickly is essential. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurance companies move fast to limit their financial exposure. You should:

• Seek immediate medical attention and keep all medical records.
• Obtain a copy of the police report.
• Document the scene if possible (photos, witness contact information).
• Do not speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster without legal counsel.

The earlier we begin investigating your case, the better your chance of recovering full and fair compensation.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a holiday traffic accident, don’t wait. The New York car accident lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP are here to help. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now to speak with an attorney who will fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.