Zutobi 2025 Holiday Report: The Deadliest Holidays to be Driving

Holidays are meant to be moments of joy and celebration, but amidst the festivities, there are hidden dangers that we often overlook. Every year, as countless Americans hit the road to enjoy their well-deserved breaks, they unwittingly encounter risks that can turn these happy occasions into tragic events. Between 2019 and 2023, an alarming 11,543 lives were lost in car crashes during these seemingly blissful times. The road, it seems, holds more than meets the eye.

At Zutobi, we believe in the power of safe driving education and staying informed. In this report, we present the ranking of America’s most dangerous holidays on the road, based on meticulous analysis of statistics on DUI, speeding, distracted driving, and inexperience. We ranked each holiday from best to worst based on statistics from the past five years.

First Place: Independence Day

Independence Day is a day of patriotic fervor and exuberant celebrations, is also marked by unique risks on the road. Ranking third among the top five most dangerous holidays, there are distinct factors that contribute to the risks associated with Fourth of July travel.

Over the past five years, 2,601 lives have been lost during Fourth of July celebrations. In 2023 alone, traffic fatalities during the holiday period rose to 567—an increase of approximately 16.4% compared to 487 deaths in 2022. These sobering figures underscore the critical importance of staying alert and committing to responsible driving behaviors during this festive yet high-risk time on the roads.

In 2023, specific incidents highlighted the leading causes of these tragedies: 233 deaths were due to driving under the influence, accounting for nearly 41% of that year’s fatalities. Speeding was responsible for 186 deaths, or approximately 33%, while 71 fatalities involved young drivers, a particularly vulnerable group on the road. Although these figures are alarming, they serve as a crucial reminder that targeted safety measures and responsible driving can make a meaningful difference during this high-risk holiday period.

To ensure responsible and safe travels during Fourth of July, consider the following tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when driving in areas with high pedestrian traffic due to parades, gatherings, and fireworks displays.
2. Take breaks during long journeys to combat fatigue and maintain focus behind the wheel, as drowsy driving poses significant risks.
3. Celebrate responsibly by refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Designate a sober driver or use rideshare services instead.

Second Place: Labor Day

Labor Day, a time of reflection and bidding farewell to the summer season, carries its own set of risks on the road. As the second-ranking holiday among the top five most dangerous, Labor Day demands heightened attention and precaution.

Over the past five years, 2,518 lives were lost during Labor Day. In 2023, there was a slight decrease to 511 fatalities compared to the previous year’s 490. Although this may seem marginal, it underscores the significance of prioritizing vigilance and safe driving practices during this transitional holiday.

A closer look at 2023 incidents reveals the leading causes of these tragic outcomes: 185 deaths were attributed to driving under the influence, accounting for approximately 36% of all fatalities. Speeding claimed 153 lives, representing nearly 30%, while 80 fatalities involved young drivers—a group particularly vulnerable during holiday travel.

These sobering statistics highlight the critical importance of raising awareness and fostering responsible behavior behind the wheel to help save lives during high-risk holiday periods like Labor Day.

To ensure safe journeys during Labor Day, consider the following enhanced tips:

1. Be mindful of changing weather conditions as summer transitions into fall. Check local forecasts and road conditions, and adjust your driving accordingly.
2. Share the road responsibly by showing courtesy to other drivers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Maintain a safe distance and use turn signals when changing lanes.
3. Observe and respect posted speed limits, especially in construction zones and areas with heavy traffic. Remember, arriving safely is more important than reaching your destination quickly.

Third Place: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and gathering with loved ones, demands our utmost attention to safety on the road. Ranking second among the top five most dangerous holidays, Thanksgiving presents unique challenges that require heightened caution.

Over the past five years, 2,488 lives were lost during the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2023, there were 490 fatalities, a slight decrease compared to the previous year’s 528.

A closer examination of the 2023 incidents shows that 174 lives were lost due to driving under the influence, accounting for approximately 35.5% of the total fatalities. Speeding was responsible for 179 deaths, making up about 36.5%. Furthermore, 87 of those fatalities involved young drivers—a group particularly at risk during holiday travel.

To ensure safe travels during Thanksgiving, consider the following enhanced tips:

1. Prepare your vehicle before hitting the road by checking tire pressure, brakes, and fluid levels.
2. Minimize distractions by keeping your focus solely on the road and avoiding activities such as texting or eating while driving.
3. Get adequate rest before embarking on long drives to combat driver fatigue and ensure alertness behind the wheel.

Fourth Place: Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the arrival of summer, igniting a spirit of adventure and a longing for outdoor excursions. However, amidst the anticipation, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential dangers that accompany this holiday. Memorial Day ranks fourth among the top five most dangerous holidays.

Over the past five years, 2,338 lives have been lost during Memorial Day weekend. In 2023, the number of fatalities decreased to 486, showing a reduction from the previous year’s 502—a 3.2% decrease.

Analysis of Memorial Day incidents in 2023 revealed that 190 lives were lost due to driving under the influence, accounting for approximately 39.1% of fatalities. Speeding claimed 158 lives, representing about 32.5%. Additionally, 82 fatalities involved young drivers—a group particularly vulnerable during holiday travel. While these numbers remain concerning, it’s important to recognize that adopting safe driving practices can significantly reduce the risks associated with Memorial Day travel.

Several factors contribute to the increased risk on Memorial Day. The long weekend often leads to a surge in traffic volume as people embark on trips, resulting in congestion and potentially reckless driving behaviors. Moreover, the festive atmosphere and outdoor celebrations may encourage alcohol consumption, making DUI incidents more prevalent.

To ensure safe journeys during Memorial Day, consider the following tips:

1. Prioritize vehicle maintenance, including checking tire pressure, brakes, and fluid levels before hitting the road.
2. Remain attentive and avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or engaging in other activities that take your focus away from the road.
3. Plan your route in advance, taking into account potential traffic congestion and road closures.
4. Designate a sober driver or make use of alternative transportation if you plan to consume alcohol.

Fifth Place: Christmas

During the festive Christmas season, families come together to celebrate and share in the joy of the holidays. While Christmas brings its own unique challenges on the road, it is considered the “safest” among the top five most dangerous holidays. Over the past five years, 1,598 lives have been lost in fatal crashes during the Christmas holiday period.

In 2023, there were 389 fatalities, a slight increase from the previous year’s 331, reflecting a 17.5% increase. Specific incidents in 2023 revealed that 146 lives were lost due to driving under the influence, accounting for approximately 37.6% of fatalities. Speeding was responsible for 105 deaths, representing about 27% of the total. Additionally, 54 fatalities involved young drivers.

Although these numbers are concerning, Christmas still maintains a relatively lower risk compared to other major holidays, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant and practicing safe driving habits during the holiday season.

To ensure safe travels during Christmas, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Designate a sober driver or make use of alternative transportation if you plan to consume alcohol.
2. Minimize distractions by avoiding phone use and other activities that divert your attention from the road.
3. Stay alert and watch for young and inexperienced drivers who may be more prone to making errors on the road.

How can this be improved?

Education plays a vital role in promoting safe driving habits and reducing the risks associated with these holidays. Proper driving education programs should be implemented, ensuring that new drivers receive comprehensive training on defensive driving techniques, responsible alcohol consumption, and the dangers of distracted driving. Additionally, ongoing safe driving campaigns can help raise awareness among the general public, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior on the road.

As Lucas Waldenback, co-founder of Zutobi, wisely puts it, “Effective driver education is key to fostering safer roads for everyone. By ensuring drivers are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, we can tackle alarming statistics and make holiday travel safer for all.”

In conclusion, while holidays bring excitement and joy, they also present inherent risks on the road. By prioritizing safe driving practices, spreading awareness through education, and fostering a culture of responsible behavior, we can strive towards making our holiday journeys safer and ensuring that families can cherish these special times without the specter of tragedy looming overhead.

Previous reports

2023 Holiday Report

2024 Holiday Report

Methodology

Data in this report has been gathered from different governmental websites, including the Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) developed by NHTSA, and NSC injury data. This report features the latest data released in 2025.