What is the Most Dangerous Holiday Weekend to Drive?
Learn which holidays are the most dangerous for driving in Connecticut, why crashes increase, and how to stay safe during holiday travel.
- Last Updated: November 5, 2026
- By McCoy & McCoy
*This article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in November 2026 to include current Connecticut law, additional legal guidance, and answers to common questions about dangerous holiday times to drive.*
Holiday weekends are meant for celebrating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, they can also be some of the most dangerous times to be on the road.
With increased traffic, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired drivers, holiday travel can increase the risk of serious car accidents.
So, what is the most dangerous holiday weekend to drive?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), Labor Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July consistently rank among the deadliest major holiday periods for traffic fatalities in the United States. Labor Day recorded the highest average number of traffic deaths per day in both 2023 and 2024.
For Connecticut drivers, busy highways like I-84, I-91, I-95, and the Merritt Parkway can present additional challenges during holiday travel.
1. Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer travel season. Millions of Americans take to the roads for vacations, family gatherings, and outdoor celebrations.
For Connecticut drivers, increased travel along I-95, Route 2, and other major roadways can mean heavier congestion and a greater need for caution.
Common factors contributing to Memorial Day car accidents include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and driver fatigue.
2. Fourth of July
As America celebrates the birth of our country, drinking and driving seem to accompany most celebrations, resulting in dangerous driving conditions. The National Safety Council reported that 38% of crashes around the holiday involved drunk driving.
According to WFSB, there were a total of 128 motor vehicle accidents on the Fourth of July weekend in 2026.
3. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, with millions of people hitting the road to visit family and friends. The increase in traffic, unfamiliar routes, poor weather conditions, and impaired driving can all contribute to a higher risk of serious car accidents.
According to Connecticut State Police, there were 475 motor vehicle crashes across the state during the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Troopers also responded to 31 crashes involving injuries, made 30 DUI arrests, and investigated two fatal crashes.
Tragically, the fatal crashes occurred on Interstate 95 North in Groton and Interstate 395 South in Montville. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by these devastating crashes.
As Thanksgiving travel continues to bring heavy traffic to Connecticut highways each year, drivers should remain alert, avoid distractions, allow extra travel time, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A little extra caution can help make the holiday safer for everyone on the road.
4. Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and is consistently one of the busiest travel periods on Connecticut roads. With more drivers heading to beaches, barbecues, and weekend getaways, the likelihood of serious collisions increases.
During the 2025 Labor Day holiday weekend, Connecticut State Police responded to:
- 282 motor vehicle crashes
- 25 crashes that resulted in injuries
- One fatal crash
- 35 arrests for operating under the influence
Many Labor Day crashes are preventable. Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and heavy holiday traffic continue to create dangerous conditions on Connecticut highways. Taking a few extra precautions—such as allowing additional travel time, avoiding distractions behind the wheel, and never driving after drinking—can help make the holiday safer for everyone.
5. New Years Eve
Ringing in the New Year has historically been one of the most dangerous times for drivers. Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, late-night travel, and impaired or fatigued driving, increasing the risk of serious crashes.
During the 2025–2026 New Year’s holiday period, Connecticut State Police responded to 145 motor vehicle crashes, including eight crashes involving injuries and one fatal crash. Troopers also made 11 DUI arrests and conducted 651 traffic stops, reminding drivers that celebrating responsibly can help save lives. Before heading out on New Year’s Eve, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or arrange another safe way home.
Speak With a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident during the holiday season because of another driver’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The experienced Connecticut car accident lawyers at McCoy & McCoy are here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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