Driving Safely on the Road During the Holidays

Millions of people drive through Chicago during Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s. With increased traffic and winter weather, the risk of accidents rises.

Understanding how to drive safely during the holidays, and knowing your legal options if an accident occurs, can help you better protect yourself. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident over the holiday season, reach out to one of our Chicago car accident lawyers. We’re here to help.

How dangerous is driving during the holidays?

Driving during the holidays can be very dangerous. The National Safety Council states that traveling by car has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Driving during the holidays is consistently one of the more hazardous times on U.S. roads. In 2023, NSC analysis shows 474 traffic deaths occurred during the Thanksgiving Day holiday period. During the 2023 Christmas holiday period, NSC’s most recent data indicated 377 traffic fatalities. These figures reflect the increased traffic safety risks that commonly accompany major holiday travel.

Why is driving during the holidays so dangerous?

Driving during the holidays is so dangerous because:

• There are many more people on the road. In 2025, AAA projected that over 80 million people would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period. With this many people on the road, car accidents are more likely to occur.
• Winter weather. Chicago usually gets around 30 to 40 inches of winter precipitation every year, including snow, sleet, and ice. This precipitation can make the roads very slippery and make it difficult for drivers to operate their vehicles.
• Some cars aren’t meant for the weather. Your vehicle may have undergone the required winter weather inspections, repairs, and modifications, but other vehicles may not. Because they lack these components, these vehicles may break down, slide, or blow out, which can lead to accidents.
• Drunk driving is a serious issue. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the 2019-2023 December months, there were 4,931 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, including more than 1,000 people in December 2023.
• The holidays can be stressful. Shopping, increased traffic, cold weather, and the presence of extended family, among many other things, can make the holidays very stressful. Stress can make it harder for drivers to operate their vehicles safely.

What should you do to protect yourself when driving during the holidays?

Here are eight tips to protect yourself when driving during the holidays:

• No matter what, do not drink and drive. Drinking over the legal limit and driving is illegal in the state of Illinois, and even if you aren’t caught, it is very easy for a car accident to happen if you are intoxicated.
• If you are intoxicated, find a sober person to take you home, such as a friend, family member, Uber, or Lyft. Alternatively, stay at a nearby hotel or motel.
• Drive slowly and carefully. If the roads are icy or snowy, operating your vehicle can be very challenging.
• Put on your seatbelt. If you are in an accident, your seatbelt can help keep you in your seat, preventing injury and even saving your life.
• Remove ice and snow from your car. If your car has ice or snow on it, you may want to take a few minutes to remove it. Doing so can make it easier to see the road and maneuver your car safely.
• Pay close attention to the road. It is very easy to drive while distracted, especially if you have to look at your GPS. Even a few seconds of distraction could lead to a serious accident.
• Familiarize yourself with alternate routes. Winter weather can block off certain roads or make certain paths unsafe to cross. Learning about alternative routes before traveling can help you get home safely.
• Keep a winter safety kit with water, a flashlight, a shovel, salt, a blanket, a jacket, some food, flares, first-aid supplies, an ice scraper, and batteries. If you are trapped due to the weather, this kit can help you.

How can a car accident lawyer help you?

If you were in a car accident during the holidays caused by someone else’s negligence, a car accident lawyer can help you:

• Figure out which parties are liable for the damages you sustained.
• Calculate the damages you sustained as a result of the car accident.
• Pursue compensation on your behalf for the car accident.
• Negotiate a settlement that encompasses things like your medical bills and lost wages.
• Take your case to court if negotiations fall through.

One example, for each of these points, can be found below:

• If you were hit by a delivery truck, your lawyer can determine if the truck driver, truck owner, or truck manufacturer, among other parties, is liable for the accident.
• If you were in a car accident and sustained $20,000 in medical expenses and lost six weeks’ worth of wages, your lawyer can calculate how much money you should pursue based on these damages.
• If you were hit by a delivery truck, and the company that owns this truck is liable for your damages, a lawyer can help you obtain compensation from this company.
• If you are able to negotiate with the party responsible for the accident, your lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement that encompasses the damages you are seeking, without having to go to trial.
• If you and the at-fault party are unable to agree on a settlement, your lawyer can take your car accident case to trial and argue, in front of a judge and jury, for the compensation you need.

Speak with one of our Chicago car accident lawyers

If you were in a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation. Contact us today to speak with one of our Chicago car accident lawyers. Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers are here and ready to help you move forward.