Holiday Driving Safety
The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year. While people look forward to the fun and excitement of the season and all the events it brings, driving safety is especially important during the holidays. Increased traffic, more nighttime driving, unfamiliar routes, and winter weather can all make getting from place to place more stressful—and potentially more dangerous.
So what can you do to improve your driving safety and stay safe on the road? Here are five tips to help you navigate the holiday season with confidence:
Holiday Driving Safety Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Before you head out—whether you’re traveling across town or across the country—take time to prepare. Check the weather forecast so you know what conditions to expect, and pack accordingly. Sunglasses can help reduce glare on bright days, while a windshield scraper is essential for snow and ice. When possible, plan your travel to avoid driving in rain, fog, snow, or at night.
Map out your route in advance so you can anticipate challenging turns, busy intersections, or construction zones. Consider traffic patterns and try to schedule your trip outside of peak travel times. It’s also wise to identify alternative routes and allow extra time in your schedule, giving you flexibility to choose safer, less congested roads if needed.
Holiday Driving Safety Tip #2: Perform Good Maintenance – On Your Car and On Yourself!
Make sure your vehicle is road-ready before you travel—the last thing you want during the holidays is unexpected car trouble. Keep up with routine servicing, check your tire pressure and tread, and ensure your spare tire is in good condition. Remember, most spare tires are designed for short-term use, typically at speeds under 50 mph and for limited distances.
Driver readiness matters just as much as vehicle maintenance. Clear vision is essential for judging distances, spotting hazards, and reacting quickly. Be sure your eye exams are up to date and that your glasses or contacts are current.
Hearing also plays an important role in safe driving. Often, you’ll hear emergency vehicle sirens before you see them, giving you time to slow down and respond. You may also detect nearby vehicles through sound, especially in blind spots. Regular hearing checks—and properly fitted hearing aids if needed—can help you stay more aware of your surroundings and enhance your safety on the road.
Holiday Driving Safety Tip #3: Stay Rested And Alert
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the holidays and overextend yourself, but pacing is key. Know your limits and build time for rest into your schedule. Give yourself permission to say no to activities that add unnecessary stress or fatigue.
If you’re traveling, start your trip well-rested—especially before a long drive. Plan to stop every few hours to stretch, recharge, and stay mentally sharp. If possible, bring a travel companion who can share the driving responsibilities.
Expect heavier traffic and allow extra time so you’re not rushed. If delays happen, adjust your expectations—arriving late is far better than risking your safety. Resist the urge to speed or make risky decisions to “make up” time.
Holiday Driving Safety Tip #4: Drive Defensively
Holiday traffic can test anyone’s patience, but staying calm and focused is essential. Give yourself plenty of space between your vehicle and the car ahead of you, allowing time to react if traffic suddenly slows or stops.
If other drivers are impatient or aggressive, let them pass and keep your distance. Yielding the right of way in these situations isn’t giving in—it’s choosing safety. Staying alert, anticipating the actions of others, and maintaining a safe following distance can significantly reduce your risk on the road.
Holiday Driving Safety Tip #5: Avoid Distractions
According to Distraction.gov,
sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field—without looking. And it’s not just cell phones that divide our attention. Today’s high-tech vehicle features, while helpful when used appropriately, can become dangerous distractions if you try to manage them while driving. Tasks like connecting to Bluetooth or entering a destination into your navigation system pull your focus away from the road—right when you need it most.
Driving demands your full attention. If you receive a message or need to adjust a setting, wait until you can safely pull over and park before taking your eyes off the road.
Spending time with family and friends is one of the most meaningful parts of the holiday season. But even with careful planning and safe driving habits, changes in memory, vision, or reaction time can impact driving ability. If you’re concerned that a loved one may no longer be driving safely, support is available. Our Driving Rehabilitation specialists will perform an objective evaluation and work with you to determine the best plan for driving safety. Give us a call today.