The winter holiday season has arrived, and though it tends to come with much excitement, it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.
During the holidays, the roads grow more congested and the number of drunk drivers increases dramatically. Bad weather can also seemingly come out of nowhere, worsening road conditions.
Car accidents and road fatalities peak around American holidays due to “increased travel time, more alcohol use, and excessive driving speed,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, Sokolove Law may be able to help. Find out if we can fight for the compensation you deserve during a free case review.
While the holidays can certainly be joyous for many, they can also bring a surplus of stress and impatience — emotions that can fuel dangerous driving on our roads and highways.
The National Safety Council projections below show just how dangerous the roads can be around major American holidays each year.
| Holiday | Estimated Number of Fatal Car Accidents |
|---|---|
| Memorial Day | 418 |
| Fourth of July | 599 |
| Labor Day | 457 |
| Thanksgiving | 507 |
| Christmas | 345 |
| New Year's Day | 375 |
Even the most experienced and careful drivers should take extra precautions during the holiday season. Here are 8 potentially life-saving holiday driving tips you can practice this time of year.
1. Designate a Sober Driver
Because holiday celebrations often include alcohol, it’s no surprise that the number of drunk or impaired drivers increases during this time.
In fact, holiday drunk driving statistics show that over 30% of fatal car crashes involve an intoxicated driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — a trend that has remained steady for decades.
In November 2024, a Massachusetts woman reportedly had been drinking at a party before she got behind the wheel. Sadly, she crashed into an oncoming truck, killing two men and injuring two others.
Be sure to identify who in your group will stay sober and be the one to drive home before you head out to a holiday gathering. More than 13,000 deaths could be prevented each year by designating a sober driver.
2. Get Your Car Serviced
Many people travel long distances over the holidays, and the last thing they want is for their car to break down along the way. Breakdowns can lead to traffic jams and more heavily congested roads — conditions that are ripe for auto accidents.
Stay one step ahead by checking your car’s oil, replacing windshield wipers, and rotating or updating tires. This can help give you some peace of mind that your car is ready to take on additional mileage during the holiday season.
Proactive and regular service on your vehicle is a simple and effective preventative measure that can potentially end up saving your life and the lives of others.
3. Leave Early
Some drivers tend to rush between destinations during the holidays, and with roads at their most crowded, it’s never a bad idea to leave a little bit early to avoid potential traffic and minimize any need to rush.
Speeding has been identified as the cause of several recent crashes in Worcester, including one that led to the death of a 13-year-old girl and another that claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
Feeling rushed can lead to speeding and other reckless decisions. The less rushed drivers feel behind the wheel, the better — and safer — for all.
4. Keep Tabs on the Weather
Part of being prepared for holiday travel is knowing what to expect weather-wise. The more prepared you are to take on harsher weather, the safer you are likely to be when those conditions arise.
In one instance, a New Hampshire woman was thrown from her car after crashing into a guardrail. During a sudden, heavy snowfall, she didn’t notice traffic slowing ahead of her and swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle.
Check the forecast before heading out, and stay alert. Ice, snow, and rain can make roads slick and cause low visibility, making it crucial to lower your speed and keep an eye on other drivers.
5. Put Together an Emergency Road Kit
Even if you pay close attention to the weather before your travel, conditions can change rapidly, and you should be prepared for almost anything.
Multiple Boston drivers have found themselves stranded due to snowy weather. During the infamous blizzard of 1978, over 3,000 cars had to be rescued and some drivers were stuck in their vehicles for days while waiting for help.
By having an emergency kit stocked with blankets, cell phone chargers, flashlights, food, and water, you can have some peace of mind if anything unexpected should happen.
6. Don’t Drive While Drowsy
Driving while tired can slow your reaction time, impair your judgment, and even cause you to fall asleep at the wheel.
About 1 in 25 drivers report having fallen asleep while driving, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sadly, drowsy driving caused nearly 700 deaths in 2022, according to the NHTSA.
A Rhode Island driver reportedly fell asleep and crashed into a construction site after driving during the early hours of the morning.
If you’re driving this holiday season, it may be a good idea to drink a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea before hitting the road home. This can help you stay alert during your travels.
7. Use Defensive Driving Techniques
Driving defensively is a classic rule when getting behind the wheel. Anything can happen — a deer can suddenly cross the road, black ice may create an unseeable hazard, and impaired or reckless drivers may swerve unexpectedly.
Some defensive driving tips include:
- Anticipating wide turns
- Being in control of your speed
- Not tailgating or following too closely
- Only passing if there’s enough space
- Pumping the brakes early instead of slamming on them
- Remaining alert and avoiding distractions
- Staying out of the blind spots of other drivers
Recently, an 80-year-old Massachusetts woman crashed into another car as she was driving in the wrong direction on the highway.
By incorporating these tips, you may be able to avoid dangerous drivers and situations that could put you at risk.
8. Don’t Get Distracted
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022, according to data from the NHTSA.
Dangerous driving distractions can include:
- Talking or texting on your phone
- Eating and drinking
- Fiddling with the car radio or GPS
- Listening to loud music or other media
- Turning to talk or interact with people in your vehicle
Above all, be sure to keep phones at a distance and resist the temptation to respond to messages. These habits can help avoid dangerous accidents — especially truck accidents, which account for 5,000 car accident fatalities every year.
The Importance of Safe Holiday Driving This Season
The winter holidays are truly a special time for so many Americans. The last thing families and loved ones want is a car crash, which can suddenly change the tenor of the entire holiday season.
In the United States, there are over 6 Million car crashes each year, and nearly 43,000 of these crashes are fatal.
Don’t become another statistic. Be sure that you and your loved ones practice safe holiday driving and take the few extra steps necessary to ensure your safety.
If you do get into an accident that wasn't your fault, Sokolove Law is here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out how we may be able to support you — for free.
