Methodology

To identify the deadliest holidays for drivers, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed traffic fatality statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We ranked the six holidays with driving death statistics from the NHTSA: New Year’s, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Holidays are ranked by the total number of people killed in traffic accidents from 1983 to 2020. 

All roadway deaths that took place during the holiday period were considered. It is important to note, however, that for most holidays, the length of the holiday period can change from year to year. 

We also calculated the approximate share of deaths resulting from accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver. To be considered as involving alcohol, a driver or motorcycle driver involved in a deadly crash needed to have a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 grams per deciliter.