Key takeaways
- Drivers in some cities battle way more in winter. Madison, Wis., plunges 128 spots in security rankings, and Florida leads with probably the most cities displaying the most important winter rank drops.
- Snowbird cities in Arizona, Florida see the most important enhance in out-of-state vacation drivers. Phoenix visitors almost doubles, and Orlando is up 75%.
- The nearer the vacation will get, the more severe drivers behave. Cellphone use peaks on New Yr’s Eve, dashing climbs the weekend earlier than Christmas, and onerous braking spikes noon on Christmas Eve.
NORTHBROOK, In poor health., Dec. 10, 2025 – Winter holidays convey a number of the most harmful driving circumstances of the yr and the brand new Allstate Vacation Driver Report exhibits the place winter drivers battle most, when dangerous behaviors soar and the way drivers can keep protected this season.
Not like conventional journey forecasts that concentrate on how many individuals are on the highway, Allstate analyzes precise driving riskusing claims information, journey patterns and roadside occasions to assist drivers journey smarter throughout the holidays.
Allstate Security Knowledgeable Brian Tidwell mentioned, “Winter driving dangers can change in a single day. Whether or not you’re staying native or touring lengthy distances, the Allstate cell app affords useful instruments for everybody – not simply Allstate clients – together with Drivewise, Allstate Roadside and crash detection.”
Which cities have the riskiest winter drivers?
Allstate claims information exhibits winter flips many safe-driving cities into high-risk zones, with rankings from the Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report shifting dramatically between November and March.*
Drivers in Madison, Wis., see their rating plummet from 9th to 137th, a 128-spot freefall, greater than 14 occasions its authentic place. And Florida claims 5 of the highest 10 cities most impacted throughout late fall and winter, together with Gainesville (down 97 spots) and Tallahassee (down 86).
High 10 cities most impacted in late fall and winter (Nov.–March)
| Rank | Metropolis | Change in spots | Annual rank | Nov.-March rank | |
| 1 | Madison, WI | -128 | 9 | 137 | |
| 2 | Anchorage, AK | -121 | 32 | 153 | |
| 3 | Honolulu, HI | -102 | 75 | 177 | |
| 4 | Gainesville, FL | -97 | 16 | 113 | |
| 5 | Tallahassee, FL | -86 | 37 | 123 | |
| 6 | Hialeah, FL | -79 | 87 | 166 | |
| 7 | Milwaukee, WI | -79 | 59 | 138 | |
| 8 | Jersey Metropolis, NJ | -73 | 98 | 171 | |
| 9 | St. Petersburg, FL | -73 | 25 | 98 | |
| 10 | Pembroke Pines, FL | -72 | 52 | 124 | |
Why it issues: These dramatic shifts present that winter threat isn’t nearly snow and ice, it’s additionally lack of preparation, unfamiliar drivers and seasonal visitors modifications.
The place does vacation visitors surge?
Vacation journey isn’t nearly snow. Heat-weather states see the most important inflow of out-of-state drivers, based on insights from 2 million Drivewise clients.** Allstate’s safe-driving program, accessible within the Allstate cell app, exhibits Arizona, Florida, and Texas expertise out-of-state visitors will increase of 30% to almost 100% in comparison with typical ranges.
Cities with the most important surge in out-of-state drivers
| State | Metropolis | Improve in out-of-state drivers | |
| Arizona | Phoenix | +94% (largest soar nationwide) | |
| Scottsdale | +30% | ||
| Florida | Orlando | +75% | |
| Tampa | +56% | ||
| Jacksonville | +47% | ||
| Texas | San Antonio | +45% | |
| El Paso | +35% | ||
| Fort Price | +29% | ||
| Houston | +28% | ||
Why it issues: A surge in out-of-state drivers can result in unfamiliar routes, heavier congestion and better crash threat, making planning and warning important for vacation journey. Instruments within the Allstate cell app like crash detection assist preserve drivers safer by detecting collisions and providing speedy help, akin to serving to customers name 911, request roadside assist, or begin a declare.
When do dangerous driving behaviors peak throughout the holidays?
Insights from Drivewise throughout the identical timeframe additionally present precisely when harmful behaviors peak across the holidays:
- Cellphone dealing with is the worst on New Yr’s Eve (+10%), particularly late at night time.
- Dashing jumps the weekend earlier than Christmas (+10%), with many drivers exceeding +15 mph over the restrict.
- Onerous braking peaks noon Christmas Eve (+13%), as last-minute consumers flood the roads.
Why it issues: Vacation journey isn’t simply busier, it’s riskier. Drivewise within the Allstate cell app provides drivers personalised suggestions to assist drivers course-correct earlier than dangerous patterns trigger an accident.
What’s the worst day for vacation breakdowns?
Allstate Roadside constantly sees one among its greatest spikes of the yr throughout winter holidays:
- December 26 is the one busiest day of the yr for roadside service occasions.
- Tow distances are longest on Christmas Day, averaging as much as 15 miles.
Why it issues: Colder temperatures and vacation congestion result in lifeless batteries, flats, breakdowns and lengthy waits. Allstate Roadside supplies quick, versatile help by the Allstate cell app, accessible to everybody, even non-customers.
Tidwell mentioned, “Chilly climate can flip minor points into main issues. Test your battery, examine your tires, high off fluids, preserve your fuel tank a minimum of half full, and pack an emergency equipment – slightly preparation now might help you keep away from large complications later.”
How can drivers keep protected with Allstate?
From real-time crash detection to safe-driving insights by Drivewise, obtain the Allstate mobile app to remain protected on the highway all winter lengthy. For extra ideas, instruments and winter driving recommendation, go to Allstate.com.
Editor’s word
*The Allstate Greatest Drivers Report complement compares collision declare frequency in America’s 200 most populous cities throughout the late fall and winter months (Nov. 1, 2022–March 31, 2023) with full-year averages (Jan.1, 2022–Dec. 31, 2023). Rankings are based mostly on Allstate property harm and collision claims information, representing roughly 10% of all U.S. auto insurance policies. Metropolis populations are outlined utilizing U.S. Census Bureau information. A “collision” is any auto crash leading to a property or collision harm declare. This supplemental evaluation highlights seasonal shifts in driving threat and is meant to advertise consciousness and dialogue about protected driving, to not decide insurance coverage charges.
**Information relies on aggregated and anonymized nationwide Drivewise driving data evaluating the 2024 winter vacation interval (Friday, Dec. 20, 2024–Wed., Jan. 1, 2025) with day by day common driving habits in 2024. Hours between 1 a.m. and seven a.m. have been excluded from the evaluation, as nighttime driving is inherently riskier as a result of components akin to diminished visibility, fatigue and impaired driving. Drivewise, a voluntary protected driving program clients can select to enroll in, helps drivers earn a personalised auto insurance coverage price based mostly on their on a regular basis driving. Prospects can save only for signing up and staying energetic, whereas avoiding dangerous behaviors like dashing, sudden braking, utilizing their cellphone or late-night driving which can trigger the value they pay to extend.
About Allstate
The Allstate Company (NYSE: ALL) protects individuals from life’s uncertainties with a wide selection of safety for autos, homes, electronic devices, and identities. Merchandise can be found by a broad distribution community together with Allstate brokers, impartial brokers, main retailers, on-line, and on the office. Allstate has greater than 209 insurance policies in power and is broadly identified for the slogan “You’re in Good Fingers with Allstate.” For extra data, go to www.allstate.com.
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