Holiday periods see more traffic and more accidents, but having a designated driver, planning your route ahead, preparing for emergencies, avoiding distractions, and driving defensively can greatly reduce your risk. How? Keep reading to find out!
(If you need insurance assistance or a quick quote before your trip, call Insure On The Spot at 773-202-5060 for help.)
1. Why Should You Always Have a Designated Driver on Holidays?
One of the deadliest threats during holiday travel is impaired driving. If you plan to drink alcohol as part of your celebration, arrange a sober ride before the party begins. Having a designated driver (or using a rideshare/taxi) ensures no one in your group drives under the influence. This simple choice can literally be a life-saver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fourth of July is consistently one of the deadliest holidays for drunk-driving crashes (over 1,390 lives lost in a recent five-year span). And it’s not just summer – late-year celebrations like New Year’s Eve also see spikes in impaired driving incidents. These grim statistics highlight why it’s so crucial to stay sober behind the wheel.
Beyond the safety risk, there are also the legal and financial consequences. In Illinois, for example, a DUI offense triggers an immediate license suspension, and you must complete a license reinstatement process with the Illinois DMV – including obtaining an SR-22 insurance filing to prove you carry the required coverage – before you can legally drive again. Law enforcement also ramps up DUI checkpoints and patrols on holiday weekends, so the chances of getting caught are high. It’s just not worth it. Plan ahead for a safe ride, and if you’re hosting a gathering, help your guests get home safely (offer couch space, call a cab, etc.). Everyone will have a happier holiday when nobody drives drunk.
2. How Does Planning Your Route Ahead Make Holiday Driving Safer?
Getting lost or stuck in gridlock can put a damper on your holiday trip – and increase the likelihood of uncertain driving. That’s why you must always plan your route in advance. Before you head out, take time to map your journey and check traffic forecasts. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to identify congestion or construction on your path. By choosing the best route and timing, you’ll be less stressed and less likely to make erratic moves on the road.
Also plan when to travel. Certain days are notoriously busy. For instance, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the weekend right before Christmas are often peak traffic times. If possible, drive during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) or even on the holiday day itself when roads tend to be quieter. A little flexibility can spare you bumper-to-bumper frustration.
Don’t forget to prepare your vehicle too. Complete any needed maintenance (oil change, tire pressure, battery check) before a long trip. The last thing you want is a breakdown on a busy highway. Fill up on gas in advance and keep your tank well above empty in case of unexpected delays.
By knowing where you’re going and ensuring your car is road-ready, you’ll feel more relaxed and in control. That means you can focus on what really matters during the holidays – enjoying time with loved ones – rather than worrying about navigation or car trouble.
3. What Emergency Preparations Should You Have for Holiday Road Trips?
No one likes to imagine worst-case scenarios during a fun holiday getaway, but preparing for emergencies can make all the difference if something goes wrong. Starting with your cellphone, ensure it’s fully charged before you leave, and have a car charger or portable battery pack accessible. In an urgent situation, you’ll need a working phone to call for help.
It’s also smart to carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. At minimum, pack items like a first-aid kit, flashlight (with extra batteries), jumper cables, basic tools, and road flares or reflective triangles. For winter travel, add warm blankets, an ice scraper, and some high-energy snacks and water. These supplies can keep you safe and comfortable if you get stranded or face a long delay.
But if you experience car trouble, remember that safety comes first. Pull off the road as far as possible – ideally beyond the shoulder, since the shoulder itself can be dangerous for stopped cars. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you have flares or reflective cones, set them out behind your vehicle (only if it’s safe to exit the car) to increase your visibility. For roadside assistance, you might call your auto club (such as AAA) or your insurance’s emergency help line. For Insure On The Spot customers, our roadside assistance is just a phone call away – keep that number handy when traveling.
4. How Can You Avoid Distractions While Driving?
Distracted driving is a year-round hazard, but with the added stress and excitement of holidays, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Start by putting away your phone or switching it to Do Not Disturb while driving. Texts, social media, and emails can wait – or have a passenger handle any urgent communications. In many states, it’s actually illegal to use a handheld phone while driving because of how dangerous it can be.
Plan your entertainment and navigation before setting off. Set your GPS destination or review the route ahead of time. If you want music or an audiobook, get that playlist ready beforehand so you’re not fiddling with the radio or phone on the road. While driving, if you absolutely must adjust something or take a call, use hands-free voice controls or pull over briefly at a safe spot. Taking a two-minute break to deal with a distraction is far safer than trying to multi-task at 70 mph.
That said, even passengers (especially excited kids) can also be distracting. According to roadway safety studies, distracted driving accounts for over 7% of fatal holiday crashes, a number that is entirely preventable. So set some car rules and, if you need to tend to a child or retrieve a dropped item, find a safe place to pull over before doing so. By staying alert and keeping your eyes and mind on the road, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of an accident.
5. What Does It Mean to Drive Defensively During the Holidays?
“Drive defensively” is a mindset of anticipating hazards and being prepared for other drivers’ mistakes. During holiday periods, with so many cars on the road, you may encounter aggressive speeding, sudden lane changes, or drivers under the influence. If you’re driving defensively you will be expecting the unexpected and that will help you react calmly and quickly.
Here are some defensive driving tactics for holiday travel:
- Keep a safe distance: Leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead. Heavy traffic often means stop-and-go conditions; maintaining a cushion can prevent fender-benders if someone brakes suddenly.
- Watch your speed: It’s tempting to rush when late to a holiday event, but speeding is a major factor in crashes (about 31% of holiday traffic deaths involve speeding). Stick to the speed limit and adjust for conditions (rain, snow, heavy traffic).
- Stay aware of your surroundings: Scan your mirrors frequently and notice what cars around you are doing. If someone is weaving through traffic or tailgating aggressively, safely let them pass or change lanes to avoid them.
- Buckle up everyone: Ensure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seat belt for the entire ride. Seat belts are your last line of defense if an accident does occur, dramatically increasing survival odds.
Defensive driving also means keeping your cool. Holiday traffic or rude drivers can be infuriating, but road rage will only increase the risk. Stay calm and avoid confrontations – arriving safely, even if you’re a bit late, is what truly counts. By driving calmly and vigilantly, you’ll greatly improve your chances of avoiding an accident despite the holiday road madness.
Stay Safe and Covered with Insure On The Spot
A little preparation goes a long way toward a safe holiday journey. At Insure On The Spot, we want you and your family to stay protected on and off the road.
Tip: Before you embark on any holiday trip, double-check that your auto insurance policy is active and meets state requirements. Having the right coverage means you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re financially protected against the unexpected.
If you’re looking for affordable, reliable insurance (including high-risk coverage or SR-22 insurance filings), we’ve got you covered. Our process is fast, easy, and inclusive – no credit checks and the lowest rates in Chicagoland. You can get a free insurance quote in as little as two minutes. Have questions or need to tweak your policy before a road trip? Just contact us or call 773-202-5060 – our friendly agents are here to help 7 days a week. With Insure On The Spot by your side, you can hit the road confidently, knowing you’re well-insured for any holiday adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which holidays are the most dangerous for drivers?
A: Certain holidays consistently see higher accident rates. Independence Day (Fourth of July) often tops the list of the deadliest days on U.S. roads due to heavy travel and widespread drinking. In 2021, the Fourth of July period saw 537 crash fatalities, and Thanksgiving was similarly grim with 539 that year. Christmas/New Year’s is also dangerous – one analysis counted 799 traffic deaths in the week around the winter holidays of 2019. The bottom line: any holiday with jam-packed roads and partying (from Memorial Day to New Year’s) can be risky. Always take precautions, no matter the occasion.
Q: What should I do if I have a car breakdown or accident during holiday travel?
A: First, try to move your vehicle out of active traffic – get onto the shoulder or, better yet, completely off the roadway if possible. This reduces the risk of a secondary collision. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If it’s a minor fender-bender with no injuries, treat it like any other day: exchange information, take photos, and file a police report if needed. If you’ve broken down, call your roadside assistance (through your insurer or AAA) and use any flares or reflective triangles you have to increase visibility. In harsh weather or unsafe conditions, it might be best to stay in your car with seat belts on until help arrives. Keep in mind that on holiday weekends, tow trucks and emergency responders might take longer than usual to reach you, so be patient. Once you’re safe and the situation is under control, contact your insurance company to start a claim if necessary. (Insure On The Spot customers can report claims anytime, even on holidays.)
Q: Does holiday driving affect my auto insurance coverage or rates?
A: Auto insurance coverage doesn’t change just because it’s a holiday – if you have a valid policy, you’re covered as usual with no “holiday exclusions” or surcharges. However, if you get into an accident or receive a ticket during a holiday, it will affect your driving record and policy like it would on any other day. Major violations (like a DUI on New Year’s Eve) or at-fault accidents can lead to higher premiums when your policy renews, just as they would at any other time. The key is to drive safely and defensively to avoid incidents, no matter the date.