The year-end holiday stretch between Christmas and New Year’s consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous periods on U.S. roads. Traffic safety experts warn that a combination of impaired driving, fatigue, and heavier travel volumes significantly increases the risk of crashes that result in serious injuries or fatalities.
According to the National Road Safety Foundation, alcohol and drug impairment remains a primary factor in holiday traffic deaths, often compounded by drowsy driving as people travel long distances or stay out late for seasonal gatherings. Planning ahead is key to reducing risk.
“Making arrangements in advance—such as choosing a designated driver or using a ride-share service—can make the difference between a safe trip and a tragedy,” said Michelle Anderson, director of operations at the National Road Safety Foundation. She added that passengers should not hesitate to speak up if a driver appears impaired, fatigued, or is driving aggressively. “Intervening early can prevent a crash that could permanently change lives.”
Federal data underscores the danger. In 2023, alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 12,429 traffic fatalities, accounting for nearly one-third of all roadway deaths nationwide. December alone saw 1,038 fatalities linked to impaired driving, with Christmas and New Year’s Eve ranking among the deadliest days of the year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Risk levels vary by demographic. Male drivers are nearly four times more likely than female drivers to drive while impaired, and in December 2023 they were involved in fatal alcohol-related crashes at higher rates. Drivers ages 21 to 34 accounted for the largest share of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in deadly crashes during that month.
Beyond the human toll, impaired driving carries a substantial financial cost. NHTSA estimates that alcohol-related crashes cost more than $58 billion annually in medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. A conviction can also bring severe personal consequences, including license suspension, possible jail time, and total costs that often exceed $10,000 due to fines, legal fees, and long-term insurance increases.
Drugs—both legal and illegal—also play a growing role in roadway fatalities. Even in states where marijuana is legal, driving while impaired remains illegal. Certain prescription medications can impair reaction time or cause drowsiness, making it critical for drivers to read warning labels and understand side effects before getting behind the wheel.
Fatigue is another major holiday hazard. The National Road Safety Foundation advises drivers to watch for warning signs of drowsiness, including difficulty focusing, frequent blinking or yawning, drifting from the lane, and failing to remember recent miles driven. Drivers experiencing these symptoms should pull over safely, take a break, consume caffeine, or take a short nap. Simply turning up the radio or opening windows is not an effective countermeasure.
The National Road Safety Foundation offers free educational resources on impaired, drowsy, and distracted driving, including self-assessment tools and guidance for passengers on how to speak up when a driver’s behavior is unsafe. These resources are available at www.nrsf.org/resources.
For more than 60 years, the National Road Safety Foundation has worked to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities through education and public awareness programs addressing impaired driving, fatigue, distraction, speeding, and pedestrian safety.