Holiday road trips, festive gatherings, and winter getaways can make Arizona’s spirits bright—and its highways busier and more dangerous. If you need to travel the state’s roads this holiday season, make sure you know the proper steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, both physically and legally.
Why Do More People Hit the Road for the Holidays?
Millions of Americans choose to drive for their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers, which makes car travel both the most common mode of holiday transport and the deadliest per passenger mile during these periods.
The sheer density of Arizona families traveling between cities can create bottlenecks on interstates and popular state routes, which increases the chance of collisions even more.
Why Does Desert “Winter” Weather Become Unpredictable?
Though only the high-elevation regions of Arizona (such as Flagstaff and the Arizona Snowbowl) receive snow, the winter-weather morning fog in river valleys and flash rainstorms on desert roads can catch holiday drivers off guard.
Even a light drizzle dramatically reduces tire traction on hot asphalt, while fog limits visibility on stretches of I-10 and I-17, both of which can lead to chain-reaction crashes when motorists fail to adjust their speed for the inclement weather conditions.
Why Does Celebrating Lead to Impaired Driving?
Alcohol consumption rises sharply during holiday gatherings, and law enforcement consistently reports more DUI stops in late December and early January. In fact, during Thanksgiving, 35% of all traffic fatalities involve a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs: Even small amounts can affect your coordination and slow your reaction time, turning minor errors into major motor vehicle collisions.
Why Are We More Tired on Long Holiday Trips?
Extended drives—often undertaken at night after festive events—tend to cut into drivers’ normal sleep schedules. But drowsy driving puts everyone at risk: 4.2% of adults have reported falling asleep at the wheel at least once, which increases the number of related car incidents.
Why Do Distractions Skyrocket This Time of Year?
Coordinating pickup times, following GPS detours to relatives’ homes, and fielding texts about changing plans can all compete for drivers’ attention. But taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds at 65 mph covers more than 170 feet—more than enough distance for a collision to occur in the event of a sudden stop.
In addition, any amount of cellphone use can increase the risk of a crash by two to six times.
Why Does Seasonal Stress Fuel Aggressive Driving?
Holiday budgets, packed shopping centers, and tight travel schedules can leave drivers feeling rushed and irritable. But this stress may trigger aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, abrupt lane changes, or running yellow lights—all of which can increase the risk of a crash, especially on congested urban roads.
Why Are Young and Inexperienced Drivers at Greater Risk?
Seasonal jobs and college breaks put more novice drivers on the road. But these drivers’ inexperience can mean that they fail to recognize black-ice hazards on shaded overpasses or misjudge stopping distances in slick conditions.
And when they feel the pressure to reach their destinations on time, less-seasoned drivers may make poor decisions in challenging situations.
Peace of Mind During the Holiday Season With the Valley Injury Team
If you or someone you love has been injured in a holiday collision, reach out to the Valley Injury Team by phone, or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our office location in Mesa allows us to serve clients in Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, and the greater Phoenix area.
