What Are the Deadliest Holidays for Drunk Driving?

The deadliest holidays for drunk driving include Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. If a drunk driver causes a fatal accident on these holidays and you lose a family member due to their actions, hold this party accountable for the harm that they’ve caused.

Speak with an Atlanta DUI accident lawyer in the aftermath of a fatal holiday auto crash caused by an intoxicated motorist. Your attorney will empathize with you and your family as you cope with your tragic loss. They want you to take care of yourself following this incident. As you do, they will prioritize your legal matters and help you get money from the responsible party.

What Are the Deadliest Holidays for Drunk Driving in the United States?

In the United States, Labor Day, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving are three of the deadliest holidays for intoxicated driving. Below are details about why drunk driving accidents tend to be reported more frequently on these holidays than on others.

Labor Day

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that 424 people could die on U.S. roads during the 2025 Labor Day holiday period. For many people, Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. As people attend parties to commemorate summer’s end, they may consume alcohol, which can be a contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes.

Independence Day

For the Independence Day holiday period for 2025, the NSC projected that 437 people may die on U.S. roads. Some people choose to consume alcohol as they celebrate the Fourth of July. If someone decides to drive while intoxicated on Independence Day, they can cause an accident and be held liable for the incident and all associated losses of those involved.

Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Day 2025, the NSC said that an estimated 439 people could die on U.S. roads. Those who celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends may consume alcohol, but they may still have to travel a long distance by car. If a motorist is intoxicated as they go from point A to point B on Thanksgiving, they can get into an accident and be held responsible for it.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve also represent deadly holidays for drunk driving. If people consume alcohol as they celebrate these holidays, they shouldn’t drive. Otherwise, these individuals are increasingly susceptible to drunk driving accidents that result in fatalities.

What to Do if You Lose a Family Member in a Car Accident on One of the Deadliest Holidays for Drunk Driving

Don’t let an intoxicated motorist off the hook if they cause a fatal holiday crash involving a member of your family. Meet with a compassionate and caring DUI accident attorney who is familiar with Georgia’s auto insurance requirements and other legal topics that apply to your case. Your lawyer will learn about your loved one’s accident and explain your legal options.

Your Atlanta car accident lawyer will assess your losses from your loved one’s fatal collision involving an intoxicated driver. They want you to recover economic and non-economic damages for your late family member’s burial and funeral expenses, your pain and suffering, and other losses. As such, your lawyer will craft an argument based on negligence.

Many fatal auto accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with a liable party’s insurance company. In your fatal drunk driving crash case, an at-fault motorist’s insurer may offer a settlement. You can accept a settlement offer, get money, and close your case. Or, if you want to seek justice and damages and go to trial, your lawyer will support your decision.

How to File a Claim After a Family Member’s Fatal Auto Accident

Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims. Because of this, you typically have a maximum of two years from the day of your family member’s fatal holiday car accident involving a drunk driver to seek compensation from the liable party.

Your wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta will submit your claim in alignment with Georgia law. Next, they will negotiate a settlement with the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. Your lawyer will keep you updated about settlement negotiations. If a settlement offer is made, you can review the proposal with your attorney and weigh its pros and cons with them.

Unfortunately, there are times when insurance settlement negotiations go nowhere. If you don’t receive a fair settlement offer, your lawyer will advise you to take your case to trial. Your attorney can file your lawsuit, gather evidence, and take other measures to put you in a position to compel a judge or jury to provide you with a favorable ruling.

The Bottom Line on the Deadly Holidays Associated With Drunk Driving

Losing a family member in an auto accident that occurs on a deadly holiday due to drunk driving or any other time is devastating for you and your loved ones. Remember, you don’t have to deal with the ramifications of this situation alone. If a drunk driver is at fault for your loss, DUI lawyers can pursue justice and compensation for you as part of a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

The team at John Foy & Associates serves the victims of drunk driving accidents and their families. We have over 350 years of combined experience and will use what we know to help you with your fatal DUI collision case in any way possible. To learn more, schedule a free case consultation with us.