Our new study revealed the deadliest states to drive in this Christmas, with Mississippi taking the top spot.
Mississippi ranks as America’s deadliest state for Christmas driving with 21.27 deaths in car crashes per one million residents, which is 99.58% higher than the U.S. average of 10.66 fatalities.
Louisiana ranks second with 17.60 deaths in crashes per one million residents, 65.15% above the U.S. average.
Alabama comes in third with 17.32 deaths in crashes per one million residents, 62.44% higher than the U.S. average.
Researchers at personal injury law firm Steele Adams Hosman analyzed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data on fatal crashes for Christmas over a decade (2014 to 2023) to identify the U.S. states with the highest number of deaths per capita during the holiday period.
Deadliest States for Christmas Driving
| Rank | State | Total Fatalities (2014-2023) | Fatalities Per 1M Residents | % Comparison to National Average |
| 1 | Mississippi | 63 | 21.27 | 99.58% higher |
| 2 | Louisiana | 82 | 17.60 | 65.15% higher |
| 3 | Alabama | 87 | 17.32 | 62.44% higher |
| 4 | Florida | 355 | 16.48 | 54.62% higher |
| 5 | South Carolina | 83 | 16.22 | 52.12% higher |
| 6 | South Dakota | 14 | 15.79 | 48.12% higher |
| 7 | Georgia | 168 | 15.68 | 47.1% higher |
| 8 | New Mexico | 33 | 15.58 | 46.2% higher |
| 9 | Arkansas | 46 | 15.27 | 43.29% higher |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 60 | 15.15 | 42.16% higher |
The study also examined the breakdown of Christmas traffic fatalities by type of victim, revealing significant variations across states.
States with the Highest Percentage of Driver Fatalities
| Rank | State | % of Driver Fatalities |
| 1 | Rhode Island | 100.00 |
| 2 | West Virginia | 81.82 |
| 3 | North Dakota | 77.78 |
| 4 | Arkansas | 73.91 |
| 5 | Nebraska | 72.73 |
| 6 | Maine | 71.43 |
| 7 | Kansas | 70.97 |
| 8 | Alabama | 68.97 |
| 9 | Utah | 68.75 |
| 10 | Colorado | 67.31 |
States with the Highest Percentage of Pedestrian Fatalities
| Rank | State | % of Pedestrian Fatalities |
| 1 | New Hampshire | 50.00 |
| 2 | New Jersey | 34.12 |
| 3 | Delaware | 33.33 |
| 4 | New York | 30.34 |
| 5 | California | 29.47 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 27.50 |
| 7 | Hawaii | 27.27 |
| 8 | Louisiana | 24.69 |
| 9 | Illinois | 24.24 |
| 10 | Maryland | 24.19 |
Justin Hosman, personal injury lawyer and partner at Steele Adams Hosman, commented on the findings:
“As we enter the busiest travel period of the year, drivers need to be especially mindful of safety. Whether you’re traveling across the country or just across town, staying focused, driving sober, and eliminating distractions can help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
Essential Christmas Safety Tips
Stay sober and focused. Alcohol and drugs have no place behind the wheel. If holiday celebrations are on your agenda, arrange for a designated driver, book a rideshare, or plan to stay where you’re celebrating. Maintaining full alertness while driving protects you and everyone else on the road.
Always wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts are still the single most effective tool for preventing serious injuries and deaths in crashes. Ensure every passenger is buckled up properly, regardless of how short the trip may be.
Keep your attention on the road. Stow your phone, save the snacks for later, and keep your full attention on driving. With congested roads during the holiday season, even a moment of distraction can lead to a serious accident.
Build in extra travel time. Christmas traffic jams are a given. Start your journey early, map out your route beforehand, and add cushion time to your plans. When drivers feel rushed, they’re more likely to speed and make risky choices.
Safest States for Christmas Driving
The study also identified the safest states to drive in during Christmas:
Rhode Island is the safest state for Christmas driving, with 3.65 deaths per one million residents, achieving 65.73% below the national average.
New York ranks as the second-safest state with 4.41 deaths per one million residents, 58.62% below the U.S. average.
Vermont comes in third with 4.67 deaths per one million residents, 56.19% below the U.S. average.
| Rank | State | Total Fatalities (Christmas Period 2014-2023) | Fatalities Per 1M | % comparison to US average |
| 50 | Rhode Island | 4 | 3.65 | 65.81% lower |
| 49 | New York | 89 | 4.41 | 58.67% lower |
| 48 | Vermont | 3 | 4.67 | 56.24% lower |
| 47 | Utah | 16 | 4.89 | 54.12% lower |
| 46 | Washington | 42 | 5.45 | 48.87% lower |
| 45 | Massachusetts | 40 | 5.69 | 46.65% lower |
| 44 | Minnesota | 33 | 5.78 | 45.75% lower |
| 43 | New Hampshire | 8 | 5.81 | 45.52% lower |
| 42 | Nebraska | 12 | 6.12 | 42.62% lower |
| 41 | Wisconsin | 40 | 6.79 | 36.33% lower |
Justin Hosman adds:
“The holidays should be about spending time with loved ones, not dealing with preventable tragedies. Taking a few extra minutes to plan ahead and make safe choices behind the wheel can protect not just you, but everyone sharing the road.
Knowing the risks allows families to plan safer travel routes, time their departures strategically, and remain vigilant on the roads. Whether you’re driving across state lines or just across town, awareness is your first line of defense in preventing Christmas tragedies.”
Methodology:
This study analyzed Christmas traffic fatalities using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to rank the deadliest states for Christmas travel. We compiled total fatalities occurring during the Christmas period across all 50 states over a 10-year period from 2014 to 2023, then normalized these totals by each state’s 2023 population. All fatalities were classified by casualty type—including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle occupants not in-transport, and persons on personal conveyances—to conduct percentage-based analysis of casualty patterns.
NHTSA Christmas Period (2014-2023)
- 2014: Wed 12/24 6pm → Mon 12/29 6am (4 days)
- 2015: Thu 12/24 6pm → Mon 12/28 6am (3 days)
- 2016: Fri 12/23 6pm → Tue 12/27 6am (3 days)
- 2017: Fri 12/22 6pm → Tue 12/26 6am (3 days)
- 2018: Fri 12/21 6pm → Wed 12/26 6am (4 days)
- 2019: Tue 12/24 6pm → Thu 12/26 6am (1 day)
- 2020: Thu 12/24 6pm → Mon 12/28 6am (3 days)
- 2021: Thu 12/23 6pm → Mon 12/27 6am (3 days)
- 2022: Fri 12/23 6pm → Tue 12/27 6am (3 days)
- 2023: Fri 12/22 6pm → Tue 12/26 6am (3 days)
Christmas period is determined by the holiday time period guide released by DoT.
