What Are the Most Dangerous Days of the Year for Colorado Drivers?

 Posted on February 16, 2026 in Car Accidents

Some days are statistically much more dangerous for drivers than others because of weather, traffic volume, or driver behavior. Understanding when car accidents are most likely to happen can help you stay safer on Colorado roads.

If you find yourself injured in a car accident in 2026 , a Denver car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Which Holidays Have the Highest Car Crash Rates in Colorado?

You might assume New Year's Eve is the most dangerous holiday for drivers, but Colorado data say otherwise. According to crash investigation statistics collected by the Colorado State Patrol over a three-year period from 2019 to 2021, Labor Day was the most dangerous holiday on Colorado roads for injury and fatal car crashes caused by impaired drivers.

The Colorado State Patrol ranked major holidays from most to least dangerous:

• Labor Day
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Day
• Thanksgiving Day

These holidays combine heavy traffic with alcohol consumption and long-distance travel. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, with millions of Americans driving to see family. The combination of tired drivers, unfamiliar routes, possible weather events, and packed highways creates dangerous conditions.

New Year's Eve does see a sharp spike in alcohol-related crashes, especially between midnight and 3 a.m. on January 1st. Colorado’s DUI laws set the legal blood alcohol limit in Colorado is .08, but many drivers go home with much more in their system after parties.

What Makes Summer Months More Dangerous for Colorado Drivers?

More people travel during summer months, especially families, which increases the total number of drivers on roads. Teen drivers also increase summer crash statistics because they have more freedom to drive when school is not in session.

While summer does not bring ice and snow, sudden thunderstorms can create slick roads and poor visibility. Flash flooding is a serious hazard in Colorado during summer months.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, during the 100 Deadliest Days period in 2024, 221 people were killed on Colorado roads. About one-third of those fatal crashes involved an impaired driver.

Does Weekend Driving Increase Your Crash Risk?

Saturday typically records the most fatal crashes of any day of the week, with Sunday coming in second. Friday evenings also see elevated crash rates as people head out for weekend activities.

Weekend crashes are different from weekday crashes because they tend to have:

• Higher rates of alcohol impairment
• More recreational travel to unfamiliar areas
• Late-night driving when visibility is reduced
• Younger drivers on the road
• More speeding and aggressive driving

The hours between 6 p.m. and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays are especially dangerous. 

Denver, interestingly, has a unique accident pattern. According to local crash data, Thursday is the most dangerous day of the week in Denver. This may be due to a return to work routines or increased commercial traffic.

Can I Get Compensation if I Am Injured in a Car Accident

Colorado law does not award higher compensation simply because a crash happened on a holiday or high-risk day. Your compensation depends on how bad your injuries are, medical costs, lost wages from time taken off work, and pain and suffering. 

However, crashes during dangerous periods often involve factors like drunk driving. If the other driver was impaired, you may be able to pursue "punitive" damages in addition to compensatory damages. This means that the other driver may have to pay extra fines for being intoxicated at the time of the accident, as well as the money they owe you for injuries, medical costs, etc. 

Call a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a car crash, call a Denver car accident attorney for help. At The Gold Law Firm, our team has recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We offer free consultations and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact The Gold Law Firm at 303-694-4653 today to schedule.