December Emerges as One of America’s Riskiest Months for Impaired Driving, New Study Finds

A new data analysis by Bader Law reveals that December remains one of the most dangerous months on U.S. roads, with impaired driving contributing to sharply elevated crash and fatality rates during the holiday season.

According to the study, impaired driving kills 14,000 Americans each year, and more than 1 million drivers are arrested annually for alcohol‑ or drug‑related impairment. Yet arrests represent only a fraction of the true scale: national survey data suggests 18.5 million people drive after drinking, 11.7 million after using marijuana, and 2.4 million after taking other illicit drugs.

States With the Highest Fatality Burden

In 2023, 57,939 impaired drivers were involved in fatal crashes. The highest totals were recorded in:

• Texas: 6,121

• California: 5,564

• Florida: 5,027

• Georgia: 2,261

• North Carolina: 2,211

Low‑population states such as Vermont, Alaska, and Rhode Island reported the fewest impaired‑driver fatalities, aided by smaller road networks and stronger enforcement.

Arrest Patterns Reveal Enforcement Gaps

Between November 2023 and November 2025, U.S. police made 1.39 million DUI arrests. Men accounted for 75% of arrests, a long‑standing trend.

The states with the most arrests were:

• California: 189,743

• Texas: 119,917

• Pennsylvania: 66,379

Notably, Florida, despite ranking third in fatalities, did not appear in the top ten for arrests — a discrepancy the study suggests may reflect enforcement gaps rather than lower impairment rates.

December’s Holiday Risk Spike

NHTSA data shows 3,165 people died in crashes in December 2024 — significantly higher than the 2,675 deaths recorded in January 2025.

Age‑related risk varies:

• 65–74+: 23% of December fatalities

• 25–34: 18%

• 15–24: 15%

During Christmas 2023, drivers aged 25–34 accounted for the highest number of impaired‑driving deaths.

Beyond Alcohol: Poly‑Drug Use Is Surging

A multi‑state trauma‑center study found 54% of severely injured drivers tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs:

• 25% marijuana

• 22% alcohol

• 10% stimulants

• 9% opioids

• 8% sedatives

Poly‑drug impairment — any combination of substances — accounted for 44% of fatal‑crash toxicology cases, making it the most dangerous impairment category.

Marijuana‑related impairment is rising sharply. In Colorado, traffic deaths involving cannabis‑positive drivers increased 138% after legalization.

Fatigue: The Overlooked Impairment

Drowsy driving contributes to 21% of fatal crashes, with the CDC reporting that 1 in 25 adults has fallen asleep behind the wheel. Staying awake for more than 20 hours impairs driving at a level equivalent to a 0.08 BAC.

A Clear December Warning

The study concludes that weekends and holidays — especially Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve — remain among the deadliest times to drive. Misconceptions about cannabis, prescription drugs, and “mild” impairment continue to fuel risk, while enforcement inconsistencies leave dangerous gaps.

Study conducted and analyzed by Bader Law.