A new study reveals that New York is the fourth safest state in the U.S. for young drivers during the Christmas travel season.
The research by personal injury attorneys at Kuzyk Law examined federal crash data from the California Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Analysis and Statistics (CDAN) Query Tool spanning 2019 to 2023. The study focused specifically on fatal December crashes involving young drivers, comparing these incidents against each state’s population of residents aged 15 to 24 to determine relative safety levels.
New York ranks fourth with 0.76 December fatal crashes per 100,000 young residents.
Looking at the study, Mark Anderson, attorney at Kuzyk Law, commented:
“These findings highlight the encouraging safety trends for young drivers in states such as New York, where December crash risks remain significantly lower than the national average.
“Improved winter road preparedness, strong traffic enforcement, and proactive public safety programs appear to play a key role in reducing fatal crash risks for young motorists during the holiday season. Continued investment in road safety initiatives and responsible driving behavior can help sustain these positive outcomes throughout future Christmas travel periods.”
What Parents of Young Drivers Should Do
Safety advocates recommend these evidence-based strategies:
- Encourage young drivers to share their holiday travel plans in advance, including routes, weather expectations, and expected return times.
- Reinforce zero-tolerance rules for speeding, impaired driving, and phone use behind the wheel to reduce risky behavior.
- Review winter-driving essentials together, such as handling skids, braking on icy surfaces, and adjusting to sudden visibility changes.
- Remind young drivers to avoid fatigue by taking breaks, sharing driving responsibilities, or delaying travel when overtired.
- Ensure vehicles are properly prepared for long trips by checking tire pressure, fluid levels, emergency kits, and winter equipment.
Table for Extended Results:
| Top 10 U.S. States With the Safest Christmas Roads for Young Drivers | ||
| State | December Fatal Crashes per 100,000 Young Residents | Rank |
| New Hampshire | 0.47 | 1 |
| Alaska | 0.63 | 2 |
| North Dakota | 0.72 | 3 |
| New York | 0.76 | 4 |
| Rhode Island | 0.81 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | 0.85 | 6 |
| Minnesota | 0.91 | 7 |
| New Jersey | 1.02 | 8 |
| Wyoming | 1.06 | 9 |
| Michigan | 1.10 | 10 |
The study was conducted by Kuzyk Law, a law firm specializing in representation for car accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, bike, pedestrian, and catastrophic injury claims. With over four decades of experience and a track record serving 100,000+ clients, they offer free consultations and no upfront fees.
Methodology
This study examined federal crash records from the California Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Analysis and Statistics (CDAN) Query Tool covering 2019–2023, focusing specifically on fatal December crashes involving drivers aged 15–24. Population data came from U.S. Census Bureau 2019–2023 State Population Estimates for residents aged 15–24, allowing crash rates to be calculated per 100,000 young people for accurate cross-state comparison.
Data Sources
