The holiday travel season from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day is consistently one of the most dangerous periods on American roads. According to the National Safety Council, holiday periods see a significant spike in traffic fatalities compared to non-holiday periods. The combination of increased traffic volume, impaired driving, adverse weather, and the general rush and stress of the holiday season creates a perfect storm for serious car accidents.

Why Holiday Driving Is More Dangerous

Increased Traffic Volume

The AAA estimates that tens of millions of Americans travel by car during each major holiday period. During Thanksgiving 2024, approximately 55 million Americans were expected to drive to their destinations. This massive increase in traffic volume means more vehicles on the road, more congestion, and more opportunities for accidents.

Impaired Driving

Drunk driving is a major factor in holiday accidents. New Year's Eve and the days surrounding Christmas and Thanksgiving consistently rank among the deadliest days of the year for alcohol-related crashes. The NHTSA reports that during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period, drunk driving accounts for approximately 28 percent of all traffic fatalities, compared to about 22 percent during the rest of the year.

Fatigued Driving

Many holiday travelers drive long distances, often late at night or very early in the morning, to reach their destinations. Combined with the general fatigue that comes from the busy holiday season, drowsy driving becomes a significant hazard.

Weather Conditions

The holiday season coincides with winter weather in much of the country, including the Southeast. Rain, fog, ice, and occasional snow create hazardous driving conditions, particularly for drivers from areas that do not regularly experience winter weather.

Holiday Travel Safety Tips

  • Plan ahead: Check road conditions and weather forecasts before you leave. Allow extra time for your trip so you do not feel pressured to speed.
  • Avoid driving impaired: If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service. There is no safe level of drinking and driving.
  • Rest before you drive: Get a full night's sleep before a long drive. Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles.
  • Buckle up: Ensure every passenger is wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury by approximately 45 percent.
  • Put your phone away: Distracted driving is dangerous any time of year, but the risk is amplified by heavy holiday traffic.
  • Maintain your vehicle: Check your tires, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before a holiday trip.
  • Watch for impaired drivers: Be alert for signs of impaired driving such as swerving, inconsistent speed, or failure to use signals.

What to Do If You Are in a Holiday Accident

If you are involved in a car accident during the holidays, follow the same steps as any accident: call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, exchange information, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Do not assume that the holiday makes it harder to find legal help. At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we are available to help accident victims year-round. Call (800) 555-HURT for immediate assistance.