Massachusetts has been named the safest state in the U.S. for holiday driving, recording the lowest rate of people involved in fatal crashes per million residents.
A new study by Phillips Law Firm analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2019 to 2023 to calculate the number of people involved in fatal crashes on federal holidays such as Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. The national average stands at 51 people involved in fatal crashes per million residents during holidays.
Massachusetts recorded the lowest rate in the country, with just 18 people involved in fatal crashes per million residents during federal holidays. Within the state, Christmas Day proved the most dangerous holiday, with 23 people involved in fatal crashes.
The Safest States for Holiday Driving
The District of Columbia ranked second safest, with 21 people involved in fatal crashes per million residents, followed by Maine and New York in joint third place with 23 each. Utah came fourth with 26 fatalities per million residents, while Minnesota and New Hampshire tied for fifth place with 27.
The Most Dangerous States
Delaware was ranked as the most dangerous state for holiday driving, with 93 people involved in fatal crashes per million residents. Independence Day alone accounted for 18 people involved in fatal crashes in Delaware.
Wyoming, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Alabama all tied for second most dangerous, each with 88 people involved in fatal crashes per million residents. Mississippi followed closely with 83.
The Deadliest Holidays
Independence Day emerged as the deadliest holiday nationwide, ranking as the most dangerous in 19 states. Texas recorded the highest number of people involved in fatal crashes on July 4th (226), followed by California (218) and Ohio (109).
New Year’s Day proved the most dangerous holiday in 12 states. Florida recorded 286 people involved in fatal crashes on January 1st alone, making it one of the most hazardous single holiday periods in the country.
Expert Insight
A spokesperson from Phillips Law Firm commented:
“Holiday travel often leads to a sharp increase in road traffic as more people drive to visit family or attend events. Naturally, this increased traffic also elevates the risk of being involved in a fatal accident—especially when combined with factors like alcohol consumption, driver fatigue, and unfamiliar routes.
Drivers should take extra precautions when traveling during holidays. It’s important to check local traffic updates before setting out, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination safely.”
Methodology
This study analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on fatal crashes during federal holidays across the U.S. between 2019 and 2023. The number of people involved in fatal crashes was calculated per million residents to determine state rankings.
Also Read
- Online Lead Generation Techniques for Professional Services
- Selecting the Right Tech Stack for Mobile App Success
