Why did Dad bring a ladder to Father’s Day brunch? Because he heard the steaks were high. A classic “dad joke” feels fitting on Father’s Day, but behind the humor lies a serious reality. The day dedicated to thanking Dad is also one of the deadliest on US roads. According to Autoinsurance.com, Father’s Day records over 430 traffic fatalities each year— making it the fourth-most-deadly holiday.

What’s behind the surge in deadly crashes?

CMT’s latest analysis points to a rise in distracted driving, coupled with an increase in drivers on the road. Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day sees more drivers, potentially heading to family gatherings like brunches and backyard BBQs, and calling Dad on the road.

According to a YouGov.com survey, 44% of dads want to enjoy a meal at home and 36% want to go out to eat during Father’s Day. A Toast report shows that 37% of Father’s Day dining transactions occur during brunch hours. Father’s Day is also one of the most popular days of the year for phone calls.

From coordinating plans to checking in with Dad, drivers could become more distracted behind the wheel. CMT data shows that phone screen interaction and handheld calls jump on Father’s Day, especially in the late morning.

We analyzed screen interaction and trips with handheld calls on Father’s Day from 2022 to 2024, comparing it to Sundays before and after. CMT defines screen interaction as tapping on the phone screen while driving over 9 mph, and handheld calls refers to phone calls where audio is coming from the device while the car is moving.

Distraction goes up in the morning & early afternoon

Distracted driving rises 3.6% on Father’s Day compared to typical Sundays. However, distracted driving is particularly elevated in the morning from 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. when distraction levels are 7% higher than a typical Sunday. At 8:00 a.m., distracted driving is 7.9% higher than usual Sunday morning levels. The biggest gap in distraction occurs at 9:00 a.m. — 9% above usual levels.

CMT finds that there are also 8% more drivers on the road during this 3-hour window — aligning with the time families may be traveling to brunches and BBQ lunches. 

Distraction remains elevated throughout the rest of the afternoon and early evening. Distraction hovers around 5% higher from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and stays 3.3% higher than usual between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Distracted driving levels return to typical Sunday evening levels after 7:00 p.m. 

Dad just wants a phone call — but not from the car

Not only are there more cars on the road—with more distracted drivers—compared to a typical Sunday from 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m., but more drivers are making handheld phone calls. CMT’s research shows that drivers who frequently make handheld calls are 135% more likely to be involved in a crash.

During these three hours on Father’s Day, 4.5% of trips include a handheld phone call — 14% higher than a typical Sunday. The trend continues into the afternoon, peaking at 2:00 p.m. with a 10% increase in hand-held calls. 

What did the phone say to the driver on Father’s Day? Let’s take a brake.

Whether you’re driving to see Dad or calling in to say hello, a moment of distraction can change everything. Drive safely this Father’s Day and give Dad the best gift of all — peace of mind.