The holiday season is supposed to be a time for warmth, connection, and gratitude. Families gather from across the country, kitchens fill with familiar scents, and communities come alive with celebration. But behind the lights and excitement is a reality people rarely talk about: the holidays are also one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, traffic spikes, weather becomes unpredictable, and drivers are more distracted and fatigued than at any other point in the year. Each December, thousands of families experience devastating accidents—moments that change lives in an instant.
At Haymond Law Firm, we’ve seen the heartbreaking aftermath far too many times. So this season, we want to share a thoughtful reminder: getting there safely is the most important gift you can give your family.
Below are the biggest holiday driving risks—along with simple, practical ways to protect yourself and those you love.
1. Distracted & Impaired Driving: When Holiday Chaos Follows You Into the Car
Why It’s Dangerous
Between text messages from relatives, holiday playlists, children in the backseat, and the general chaos of the season, more drivers are multitasking behind the wheel. Add in the increase in impaired driving after holiday parties, and the roads become significantly more dangerous.
A single lapse of attention—even just a few seconds—can lead to a collision with lifelong consequences.
How to Protect Yourself
- Put your phone out of reach. Keep it in the console, glovebox, or zipped in a bag.
- Use “Do Not Disturb While Driving.” Your future self will thank you.
- Make a plan before any holiday gathering. If there’s any chance alcohol will be involved, arrange a ride, pick a sober driver, or budget for Uber/Lyft.
- If you’re emotional or overwhelmed, take a moment before driving. Stress is a distraction too.
Distraction is often preventable. A small decision—like ignoring a notification—can be life-saving.
2. Fatigue & Holiday Pressure: The Hidden Danger Most People Ignore
Why It’s Dangerous
The holidays are exhausting—even when they’re joyful. Long work shifts, late-night errands, and long-distance travel push many drivers beyond their limits. Fatigued driving slows reaction time, affects judgment, and can feel eerily similar to impaired driving.
And fatigue is silent. People don’t always realize how tired they are until their eyes close for a second too long.
How to Protect Yourself
- Build extra time into your travel plans. Rushing is one of the biggest catalysts for poor decisions.
- Take breaks every two hours, even if you “feel fine.”
- Listen to your body. If you’re yawning repeatedly, losing focus, or drifting in your lane, pull over immediately.
- Split long trips between two drivers when possible.
Arriving late is inconvenient. Pushing through dangerous fatigue can be irreversible.
3. Weather, Roads & Vehicle Preparation: When Nature Sets the Rules
Why It’s Dangerous
New England weather doesn’t care if you made pies, wrapped presents, or promised Grandma you’d arrive by noon. Snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain can appear out of nowhere—and holiday travel often forces people to drive in conditions they might otherwise avoid.
At the same time, many drivers overlook basic maintenance during the rush of the season.
How to Protect Yourself
Before traveling:
- Check your tire pressure and tread. Good tires save lives.
- Top off fluids, including antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
- Test your wipers, heater, and defroster. Visibility matters.
- Keep an emergency kit with blankets, a charger, a flashlight, and basic tools.
On the road:
- Slow down. Speed limits were made for ideal conditions—not icy ones.
- Increase your following distance. Give yourself time to react.
- Never use cruise control on wet or icy pavement.
- If the weather is terrible, consider delaying your trip. The holiday will still be there.
Sometimes the safest decision is simply waiting a few hours.
A Holiday Reminder From Haymond Law Firm
The truth is simple: no matter how prepared you are, you cannot control other drivers. And during the holidays, that becomes even more obvious. Someone else’s distraction, recklessness, or poor decision can impact your life in seconds.
If that happens, you shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.
Haymond Law Firm is here for you 24/7—yes, even during the holidays.
We’re committed to protecting families across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and we take pride in helping people rebuild after the unexpected.
This season, we encourage you to slow down, stay alert, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Your safety—and the safety of everyone around you—matters more than any deadline or holiday plan.
From all of us at Haymond Law Firm, we wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyful holiday season.