Holiday Roads are Busy, Here’s How to Stay Prepared

As the holiday season ramps up and families hit the roads, it’s easy to be caught off guard by how quickly festive trips turn dangerous. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatalities on U.S. roads spike during major holiday periods. Many choose the great American tradition of a road trip, which has the highest fatality rate of any major form of motorized transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Holidays are also often cause for celebrations involving alcohol consumption, a major contributing factor to motor-vehicle crashes.

Here is how to better prepare your family to face the risks of holiday travel, and some smart steps to take before, during, and after a crash.

1. Before you leave: prepare your vehicle & route

Get your car inspected (tires, brakes, lights, wipers) because winter weather and heavy traffic amplify risks.

Check the forecast and plan for weather-induced delays or slick roads. Holiday travel often means early darkness, icy patches, or heavy rain.

Choose your route and travel time to avoid peak congestion and fatigue; being alert matters.

2. While you are on the road: drive defensively

Expect other drivers to make mistakes or bad decisions (distracted driving, speeding, fatigue). This is especially relevant when roads are congested or conditions poor.

Maintain safe following distances since slippery surfaces + sudden stops = crash risk.

Stay focused: holiday trips often lead to rushing, trying to make time with family, and that can lower your concentration.

3. If a wreck happens: protect your rights

Even when it “feels” like an accident, remember that negligence may be involved (e.g., another driver’s distraction, impairment, or failure to adjust to conditions).

Document the scene: photos of damage, weather, road conditions, visible skid marks; get contact and insurance info from other parties and witness statements if possible.

After seeking medical attention, consult an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you untangle fault, link the conditions (weather + drivers + road) to liability, and guide you on protecting your claim, especially in the busy holiday period when insurers may be quick to settle or deny.

The holidays should be about joy and connection, not dealing with crash aftermath. By planning ahead, driving with awareness, and knowing your rights, you are better positioned to travel safely and respond wisely if the unexpected occurs.

Bio
Latest Posts

Nathan D. Richter

Nathan is a trial lawyer, who primarily practices in the area of civil litigation. His practice encompasses all facets of the cannabis industry, from business formations, to legal matters involving the highly regulated industry, to business dissolutions and other business litigation.