As millions of Americans prepare for the first major travel periods of the year, new crash data reveals that several upcoming holiday weekends may pose higher roadway risks than many travelers expect. A recent analysis of national and Georgia‑specific traffic patterns, compiled by The Millar Law Firm, highlights the holidays that historically produce the most dangerous driving conditions and the specific time windows when congestion and crash rates spike. The findings offer a timely warning for drivers heading out for Presidents Day weekend, spring break, and other early‑year travel periods.
The study draws on federal and state crash records, AAA travel projections, and multi‑year fatality trends. While Thanksgiving is often perceived as the most hazardous holiday for drivers, the data shows a more nuanced picture. Nationally, Thanksgiving produces some of the heaviest travel volume, yet it does not rank as the deadliest holiday. In fact, Thanksgiving Day itself consistently records relatively low crash totals compared to other major holidays. The broader holiday period, however, still contributes to significant congestion and elevated risk, particularly on the days immediately before and after the holiday.
Looking ahead to early 2025 travel, AAA projects record‑breaking national movement. During Thanksgiving 2024, more than 70 million Americans traveled by car, and projections for 2025 indicate continued growth. Similar patterns are expected for Presidents Day weekend and spring break, two periods that combine school closures, winter weather variability, and long‑distance family travel. These factors often create conditions similar to those seen during late‑year holidays, even if public perception does not place them among the most dangerous travel periods.
The national fatality data underscores the importance of preparing for these early‑year holidays. Over a recent multi‑year period, Labor Day recorded the highest number of holiday fatalities at 2,521 deaths, followed closely by Thanksgiving with 2,487 and Memorial Day with 2,334. Independence Day and New Year’s also ranked high, while Christmas produced comparatively fewer fatalities. These numbers reflect national patterns that can shift depending on weather, regional travel habits, and the concentration of long‑distance trips.
State‑level data shows even sharper contrasts. Montana, Mississippi, and Wyoming recorded the highest holiday fatality rates per 100,000 residents, while states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York reported the lowest. Georgia falls in the middle of the national spectrum, but the state’s holiday crash patterns reveal important insights for local drivers. Between 2018 and 2022, Georgia recorded 18 Thanksgiving fatalities, placing it behind larger states like California, Texas, and Florida but still reflecting the risks associated with high‑volume travel periods.
The study also identifies the specific roadways that have historically seen the highest fatality counts during holiday periods. Routes such as I‑15 in San Bernardino County, California, SR‑85 in Okaloosa County, Florida, and I‑5 and I‑605 in Los Angeles County each recorded ten or more fatalities during the Thanksgiving period across several years. While Georgia does not appear among the top ten most dangerous holiday corridors, the state’s own congestion patterns show that certain routes, particularly those connecting Atlanta to coastal or out‑of‑state destinations, experience significant travel time increases during peak holiday windows.
For travelers preparing for Presidents Day weekend and spring break, the timing of travel may be just as important as the route. National congestion modeling shows that the worst delays often occur in the late afternoon and early evening on the days immediately preceding a holiday. For example, Washington, D.C. to Baltimore travel during peak periods can see travel times increase by more than 160 percent, while New York to the Hamptons can more than double. Atlanta to Savannah travel has historically seen travel times rise by more than 50 percent during peak holiday return periods.
Georgia‑specific crash data reinforces the importance of planning ahead. In 2023, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day produced the highest crash totals in the state, while Thanksgiving weekend recorded one of the lowest. This pattern suggests that holidays with less concentrated travel windows, such as Presidents Day and spring break, may produce more unpredictable and dispersed crash activity.
As early‑year travel ramps up, the data offers a clear message. Drivers should anticipate heavier congestion, plan travel during off‑peak hours when possible, and remain aware of the specific holidays that historically produce elevated crash risks. With millions of Americans expected to take to the roads in the coming months, understanding these patterns may help reduce preventable crashes and keep families safer during the year’s first major travel periods.
