- Fourth of July reported the highest average crashes nationwide, with 488 fatal incidents annually.
- Labor Day Weekend (second) and Thanksgiving (third) reported 461 and 455 average crashes, respectively.
- New Year’s Day recorded 126 average crashes, the lowest among all major holiday periods analyzed.
A new study reveals that the Fourth of July has the highest rate of fatal crashes among major American holidays.
The research by Florida-based personal injury lawyer Blakeley Law Firm analyzed federal crash data on fatal holiday crashes from 2019 to 2023, using data from the NHTSA database. Average crash counts were calculated across five years to identify when travelers face the greatest risks of deadly traffic accidents during holiday periods.
Fourth of July leads the nation with an average of 488 fatal crashes annually from 2019 to 2023. The number of cases peaked at 566 in 2023, while the lowest was 454 crashes in 2022.
Labor Day Weekend ranks second with an average of 461 fatal crashes annually. The holiday recorded its highest number of cases at 495 in 2021, while 2019 saw the lowest at 410 crashes.
Thanksgiving ranks third, with an average of 455 fatal crashes annually. The holiday reported its peak at 492 cases in 2022, while 2019 recorded the lowest at 386 crashes. Despite being a time for family gatherings, Thanksgiving travel consistently results in significant highway fatalities.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Blakeley Law Firm commented:
“The findings highlight that holidays such as Fourth of July, Labor Day Weekend, and Thanksgiving reported the highest risks of fatal travel crashes nationwide.
“Fatal traffic crashes during holidays represent one of the most tragic outcomes of holiday travel, with devastating impacts on families and communities. These disparities reflect complex interactions between increased travel volumes, impaired driving, driving behaviors, and emergency response capabilities.
“Addressing these challenges requires stronger prevention programs, better road safety infrastructure, and greater coordination between law enforcement and transportation agencies. Policymakers and advocates must recognize these alarming rates and invest in strategies that save lives.”
Memorial Day Weekend ranks fourth with an average of 419 fatal crashes annually. From 2019 to 2023, the holiday recorded its peak at 457 cases in 2022, while 2020 saw the lowest at 369 crashes.
Christmas ranks fifth with an average of 295 fatal crashes annually. Between 2019 and 2023, the holiday peaked at 368 cases in 2021, while 2019 recorded the lowest at 127 crashes.
New Year’s Day ranks sixth, recording an average of 126 fatal crashes annually, with cases peaking at 219 in 2023 and reaching a low of 41 in 2019.
Table for Extended Results:
| America’s Major Holidays Ranked by Average Fatal Crashes (2019–2023) | ||
| Holiday Period | Average Crashes 2019-2023 | Rank |
| Fourth of July | 488 | 1 |
| Labor Day Weekend | 461 | 2 |
| Thanksgiving | 455 | 3 |
| Memorial Day Weekend | 419 | 4 |
| Christmas | 295 | 5 |
| New Year’s Day (Jan 1) | 126 | 6 |
The study was conducted by Blakeley Law Firm, a Florida-based personal injury law firm representing clients injured in motor vehicle accidents or those who have lost loved ones due to negligence. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Methodology
The research analyzed fatal holiday crash data nationwide between 2019 and 2023, sourced from the NHTSA database. Average fatal crash counts were calculated across the five-year period to determine which holiday periods present the greatest risk of fatal traffic crashes for American travelers.
Data Sources
- Fatal Holiday Crashes: https://cdan.dot.gov/query
- Research Dataset: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1beD-F_to9RvXtmePSLQEhar2F2346h-ETBT_LWy0dqY/edit?usp=drivesdk
- Research by: https://www.floridainjuryadvocate.com/
