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As travel picks up through December and early January, these holiday driving safety tips help keep drivers safer amid winter weather, heavier traffic, and rises in impaired or distracted driving. With millions of people on the road and storm systems that can quickly change conditions, planning ahead, preparing your vehicle, and staying focused behind the wheel are essential for avoiding preventable incidents. Taking a few smart precautions can make holiday travel safer, smoother, and far less stressful.
Expect record holiday traffic, especially on weekends before Christmas and around New Year’s Day.
Impaired driving peaks in late December, with alcohol contributing to up to 40% of New Year’s traffic deaths.
Phone distraction increases around New Year’s Eve so keep devices out of reach and stay focused on changing road conditions.
Winter storms can cause sudden hazards so prepare your vehicle, slow down, and adjust travel plans if weather worsens.
Expect record holiday traffic, especially on weekends before Christmas and around New Year’s Day.
Impaired driving peaks in late December, with alcohol contributing to up to 40% of New Year’s traffic deaths.
Phone distraction increases around New Year’s Eve so keep devices out of reach and stay focused on changing road conditions.
Winter storms can cause sudden hazards so prepare your vehicle, slow down, and adjust travel plans if weather worsens.
The holiday season is one of the busiest and riskiest times to be on the road. Nearly 119 million Americans traveled for the year-end holidays last season, with about 90% choosing to drive. With winter storms, heavier traffic, and more drivers rushing between holiday plans, it helps to stay extra alert. These tips are here to make your holiday travel feel safer and easier, whether you’re heading out with family or helping your drivers get through the season confidently.
Late December travel continues to break records, with a projected 107 million drivers on the road during the most recent year-end holiday period. Traffic analytics show the worst delays usually happen on the weekends before Christmas.
In some cities, your drive can take twice as long, sometimes even more. Planning ahead helps you avoid hours of frustration. New Year’s return travel can also be congested throughout the day. If you can leave early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll likely miss the worst slowdowns and reach your destination feeling calmer.
New Year’s is consistently one of the deadliest holidays for impaired-driving crashes. In 2022, 37% of fatalities during the New Year’s Day holiday period involved an alcohol-impaired driver. December is also the month with some of the highest drunk-driving fatality totals on record, prompting nationwide campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Planning your ride ahead of time, whether it’s a designated driver, rideshare, or transit, removes the stress of making a last-minute decision and keeps everyone safer on the road.
Even with Christmas Day being relatively calm on the roads, the days before and after Christmas see spikes in congestion and distraction. Telematics data shows phone use rises about 7% on New Year’s Eve, as many drivers coordinate plans or navigate unfamiliar routes. In heavy holiday traffic, even a quick look at your phone can take your attention away from something important like a car braking suddenly or ice on the road. Try keeping your phone out of reach and letting your navigation run hands-free. If you’re traveling with someone, let them handle messages or directions so you can focus on the road ahead.
December and early January bring some of the harshest driving conditions of the year. AAA responds to hundreds of thousands of roadside calls during this period, with battery failures, flat tires, and lempty fuel tanks among the most common issues. Cold weather can drain your battery and lower tire pressure fast. A quick check before you leave can prevent surprises once you’re already on the road. Packing winter basics like blankets, a flashlight, and jumper cables also helps if something unexpected comes up.
Winter weather is a major hazard to driver safety during December travel. Each year, over 1,300 fatalities occur in crashes on snowy or icy roads. Holiday storms can change conditions quickly. One minute the road looks clear; the next, you’re dealing with snow, black ice, or low visibility. Major storms last season brought record snowfall to cities like Chicago and led to multi-vehicle pileups across several states. Slowing down and giving yourself extra space helps you stay in control on slippery roads. And if a storm is moving in, it’s worth delaying your trip so you’re not driving in the worst conditions.
The December–January driving season poses unique risks, from record congestion to hazardous weather, but with a little planning and a few small habits, you can make your holiday travel much safer and a lot less stressful.
Want to strengthen your fleet’s safety program year-round? Talk to our team about how telematics insights and safety tools can help reduce risk.