Certain days of the year can be especially dangerous for drivers, with more people traveling, celebrations taking place, and roads becoming busier. The Ryan Law Group decided to dig into the data and find out for ourselves which days of the year are the deadliest to be on the road.
Our team understands how quickly a car accident can change your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, contact a Manhattan Beach car accident lawyer who is available 24/7 to discuss your legal options and next steps.
Here are the 10 deadliest days of the year to be on the road, which include widely celebrated holidays like New Year’s and Halloween.
Traffic Fatalities are Declining
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration devotes much of its study to auto accidents that involve fatalities. This is an important area of study, and the NHTSA is concerned with these statistics in order to find better ways to prevent them.
In 2025, an estimated 36,640 people died in traffic crashes in the United States. While traffic fatalities remain a serious concern, NHTSA reported a 6.7% decrease from 2024 and the second-lowest traffic fatality rate in recorded history.
Common Roads Where Accidents Can Happen in Manhattan Beach
Holiday traffic and busy travel periods can increase the number of vehicles on local roads. In Manhattan Beach, you could be in an accident on:
- Sepulveda Boulevard (State Route 1): This major roadway carries significant traffic through Manhattan Beach and connects drivers to nearby communities.
- Manhattan Beach Boulevard: This busy east-west road serves local residents, commuters, and visitors traveling through the area.
- Rosecrans Avenue: Running along the northern part of Manhattan Beach, Rosecrans Avenue is another important route where collisions can occur.
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10. October 3rd
The majority of traffic fatalities occur during the summer months, and perhaps this late summer day mixes with the shortening of the days and the drive home having a bit less visibility than earlier in the summer, leading to more deadly car accidents on this day.
9. July 5th
July 5th is significant for falling right in the middle of summer and also the middle of when the most deadly accidents happen in the U.S. It is also the day after Independence Day, when more people are traveling on the roads.
You’re probably wondering what that outlier dip is toward the front of the year. That’s Leap Day, which means in this data set there were only three of them.
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8. October 31st: Halloween
It is no surprise to see this holiday filled with children running around the streets at night with visibility-impairing costumes over their eyes on the list. But it should be a stark reminder that if you are on the road on October 31st, be extra cautious because you know the new obstacles running around that night.
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7. January 1st: New Year’s Day
New Year’s has long been the holiday of debauchery and overconsumption of alcohol. Whether in big cities with hour-long waits for taxis or in rural areas where people decide to take their chances, drunk drivers make up a large portion of the vehicle fatalities on New Year’s Day.
6. June 21st: Longest Day of the Year
June 21st happens to be the longest day of the year. The sun rises extra early during summer months and sets extra late. It is also around this time that people are starting their summer breaks from school or graduating, so more people are on the road. If you’re hurt in a crash, call The Ryan Law Group.
5. September 18th
September 18th falls during the transition from summer into fall. While the date itself does not necessarily signal a particular driving hazard, seasonal changes can affect road conditions and visibility.
Summer-like heat may still be present in some areas, while other regions may begin experiencing cooler mornings, rain, or earlier sunsets. Drivers should remain attentive and adjust to whatever conditions they encounter.
4. October 11th
October 11th arrives in the fall season, when drivers may begin noticing shorter days, changing temperatures, and different road conditions. Wet leaves, rain, fog, and reduced daylight can all affect visibility or traction when present.
No matter the date, staying alert, staying off your cell phone, and adjusting your driving to current weather and road conditions can help reduce unnecessary risks. If you are in an accident, call The Ryan Law Group to get legal support.
3. November 1st
This happens to be All Saints’ Day, but in terms of traffic accidents, it is probably more significant because it is the day when many people are driving home from a Halloween party the night before.
Whether you’re on the road coming home from a party or on the street leaving an event as a pedestrian, it is good to be aware that this day is quite deadly.
2. August 2nd
This day appears right in the very middle of summer and the bell curve for driving fatalities. If you’re involved in an accident on this date, don’t wait to call a Manhattan Beach car accident lawyer at The Ryan Law Group.
1. July 4th, Independence Day
The most traffic fatalities happen on our nation’s birthday, the 4th of July. It is no surprise, as this day has become quite popular for parties and drinking, and unfortunately, drunk driving.
Disclaimer: Please note that any data that has not been updated reflects information from 2007–2016. Also, specific rankings may have shifted with more recent data.
What to Do If You are Injured in a Holiday Car Crash
If you’re hurt in a holiday crash, get somewhere safe and seek medical care. If you can, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
Make sure to keep your medical records and receipts. Track any lost wages and other accident-related costs. If your injuries are serious or the insurance company is giving you trouble, contact a car accident attorney immediately.
Deadliest Days of the Year to be on the Road FAQs
Safe driving involves more than following the speed limit. Small choices behind the wheel can reduce distractions, improve awareness, and help prevent serious accidents, even on the deadliest days of the year to be on the road.
Is It Safe to Drive While Feeling Tired?
No, it is often not safe to drive while feeling especially tired. Fatigue can slow reaction time and make it harder to stay focused. If you feel too tired to drive safely, pull over somewhere safe and rest before continuing.
How Can I Stay Focused During a Long Drive?
Long drives can make it easy to lose focus when you’re spending hours behind the wheel. To stay focused during a long drive, take breaks when needed, put your phone somewhere you cannot reach it, and set up your GPS, mirrors, and other controls before leaving.
What Should I Do if Another Driver is Driving Aggressively?
Do not engage with an aggressive driver or try to retaliate. Slow down or change lanes when it is safe to create more distance, and pull over if needed. If the driver continues to pose a serious threat, contact law enforcement.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer If You’ve Been Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Now you’re aware of the 10 deadliest days of the year to be on the road. Knowing which days tend to see more traffic accidents can help drivers stay alert and make safer choices on the road. Still, even careful drivers can be injured when someone else makes a dangerous decision behind the wheel.
The Ryan Law Group has been serving injured clients since 2011. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, our team can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Call or Text (310) 321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
