October Overtakes Summer as the Deadliest Month for Drivers, New Study Reveals

While most drivers associate dangerous road conditions with icy winters or busy summer travel, a new study by John Foy & Associates has found that October was the deadliest month for U.S. motorists in 2023, surpassing even the height of summer for fatal crashes.

The finding challenges the long-held assumption that warm-weather road trips pose the greatest risk and highlights a surprising seasonal shift that could reshape how we think about road safety.

October: A Month of Hidden Dangers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. recorded 37,654 fatal crashes and 40,901 deaths in 2023. Of those, 3,505 occurred in October alone — nearly 12% higher than the national monthly average of 3,138 crashes.

This spike nudged fall into near-tie territory with summer as the most dangerous season, with 10,002 crashes between September and November compared to 10,017 between June and August. Researchers point to a mix of environmental and behavioral factors behind the increase, particularly earlier nightfall, end-of-day fatigue, and shifting daylight hours as Daylight Saving Time ends.

“October catches many drivers off guard,” says a spokesperson for John Foy & Associates. “Reduced visibility, wet leaves, and changing light patterns create conditions similar to winter, but without the same level of caution from motorists.”

California alone saw 361 speeding-related deaths in October, the highest monthly figure reported in any state, underscoring how the season’s deceptive calm can turn deadly.

Seasonal Crash Patterns

While October leads the pack, summer still accounts for the highest overall number of fatalities — but by just 15 deaths. The study notes clear seasonal patterns:

• Summer (June–August): 10,017 fatalities

• Fall (September–November): 10,002 fatalities

• Spring (March–May): 9,070 fatalities

• Winter (December–February): 8,565 fatalities

February, with 2,645 fatal crashes, had the fewest,  20% below average, while October topped the charts. These variations mirror how travel frequency, weather, and daylight shape driver risk.

Behaviors Behind the Numbers

Three behaviors — alcohol impairment, speeding, and distracted driving — accounted for 66% of all fatal crashes nationwide.

• Alcohol-impaired driving caused 11,222 fatalities, representing 30% of monthly crash deaths. July was the worst month for drunk driving crashes (1,065).

• Speeding contributed to 10,541 fatalities, with peak months in July (1,014) and May (973).

• Distracted driving caused 3,041 deaths, spiking during travel-heavy months like May, July, and August.

Even a small lapse in focus or judgment can have catastrophic consequences — and data shows these risky habits worsen around major holidays and seasonal transitions.

Spring Break and State-Level Hotspots

The study also identified a “spring break surge” in fatalities, particularly in states like Florida, which logged 72 alcohol-related deaths in March, among its highest monthly totals.

Meanwhile, Texas stood out as the deadliest state overall, leading the nation in both alcohol-impaired and speeding-related fatalities. The Lone Star State saw 1,510 alcohol-related deaths and 1,219 speeding-related deaths, with August alone accounting for nearly 25% of its annual total.

Extreme heat, long travel distances, and high-speed rural roads likely contribute to Texas’s elevated crash numbers, prompting calls for stronger awareness campaigns and increased seasonal law enforcement.

The Financial and Human Cost

The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates the economic cost of traffic crashes exceeds $340 billion annually. With two-thirds of fatalities caused by preventable behaviors, experts stress the urgent need for data-driven public safety efforts during known high-risk months like October.

“Recognizing these seasonal patterns allows policymakers and law enforcement to allocate resources when and where they’re needed most,” says the team. “Every data point represents lives that could be saved.”

Georgia’s Fatality Trends Mirror the Nation

In Georgia, speeding and alcohol remain the leading contributors to fatal crashes. The state reported 1,491 speeding-related deaths in 2023, peaking in June, while alcohol-related fatalities rose during late summer and early fall.

As families prepare for holiday travel, understanding the seasonal rhythm of road danger can save lives. John Foy & Associates urges drivers to remain vigilant, especially during October, when visibility fades, distractions rise, and fatigue sets in.