Key takeaways
- Drivers in some cities battle much more in winter. Madison, Wis., plunges 128 spots in security rankings, and Florida leads with probably the most cities exhibiting the largest winter rank drops.
- Snowbird cities in Arizona, Florida see the largest enhance in out-of-state vacation drivers. Phoenix visitors practically doubles, and Orlando is up 75%.
- The nearer the vacation will get, the more severe drivers behave. Telephone use peaks on New Yr’s Eve, rushing climbs the weekend earlier than Christmas, and onerous braking spikes noon on Christmas Eve.
NORTHBROOK, Ailing., Dec. 10, 2025 – Winter holidays convey a few of the most harmful driving circumstances of the 12 months 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 secure this season.
Not like conventional journey forecasts that target how many individuals are on the street, Allstate analyzes precise driving riskusing claims knowledge, 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 provides useful instruments for everybody – not simply Allstate prospects – together with Drivewise, Allstate Roadside and crash detection.”
Which cities have the riskiest winter drivers?
Allstate claims knowledge exhibits winter flips many safe-driving cities into high-risk zones, with rankings from the Allstate America’s Greatest 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).
Prime 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 danger isn’t nearly snow and ice, it’s additionally lack of preparation, unfamiliar drivers and seasonal visitors adjustments.
The place does vacation visitors surge?
Vacation journey isn’t nearly snow. Heat-weather states see the largest inflow of out-of-state drivers, in accordance with insights from 2 million Drivewise prospects.** Allstate’s safe-driving program, obtainable within the Allstate cell app, exhibits Arizona, Florida, and Texas expertise out-of-state visitors will increase of 30% to just about 100% in comparison with typical ranges.
Cities with the largest 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 Value | +29% | ||
| Houston | +28% | ||
Why it issues: A surge in out-of-state drivers can result in unfamiliar routes, heavier congestion and better crash danger, 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 rapid help, equivalent 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:
- Telephone dealing with is the worst on New Yr’s Eve (+10%), particularly late at evening.
- Rushing jumps the weekend earlier than Christmas (+10%), with many drivers exceeding +15 mph over the restrict.
- Arduous braking peaks noon Christmas Eve (+13%), as last-minute customers flood the roads.
Why it issues: Vacation journey isn’t simply busier, it’s riskier. Drivewise within the Allstate cell app provides drivers customized 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 in every of its largest spikes of the 12 months throughout winter holidays:
- December 26 is the one busiest day of the 12 months 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 offers quick, versatile help by means of the Allstate cell app, obtainable 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 at the least half full, and pack an emergency package – a bit preparation now may also help you keep away from huge complications later.”
How can drivers keep secure with Allstate?
From real-time crash detection to safe-driving insights by means of Drivewise, obtain the Allstate cell app to remain protected on the street all winter lengthy. For extra suggestions, instruments and winter driving recommendation, go to Allstate.com.
Editor’s notice
*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 a two-year common (Jan.1, 2022–Dec. 31, 2023). Rankings are primarily based on Allstate property injury and collision claims knowledge, representing roughly 10% of all U.S. auto insurance policies. Metropolis populations are outlined utilizing U.S. Census Bureau knowledge. A “collision” is any auto crash leading to a property or collision injury declare. This supplemental evaluation highlights seasonal shifts in driving danger and is meant to advertise consciousness and dialogue about secure driving, to not decide insurance coverage charges.
**Information is predicated on aggregated and anonymized nationwide Drivewise driving info evaluating the 2024 winter vacation interval (Friday, Dec. 20, 2024–Wed., Jan. 1, 2025) with every 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 on account of components equivalent to decreased visibility, fatigue and impaired driving. Drivewise, a voluntary secure driving program prospects can select to enroll in, helps drivers earn a customized auto insurance coverage charge primarily based on their on a regular basis driving. Clients can save only for signing up and staying lively, whereas avoiding dangerous behaviors like rushing, sudden braking, utilizing their telephone or late-night driving which can trigger the value they pay to extend.
†Crash detection doesn’t substitute emergency providers and will not detect all collisions. At all times name 911 when secure and ready.
‡Allstate Roadside providers are topic to availability, phrases, and circumstances. Response occasions differ by location, visitors, and climate.
About Allstate
The Allstate Company (NYSE: ALL) protects folks from life’s uncertainties with a wide selection of safety for autos, properties, digital gadgets, and identities. Merchandise can be found by means of a broad distribution community together with Allstate brokers, unbiased brokers, main retailers, on-line, and on the office. Allstate has greater than 209 insurance policies in pressure and is extensively recognized for the slogan “You’re in Good Fingers with Allstate.” For extra info, go to www.allstate.com.
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