Holiday Driving Safety Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

By the Mercury Team

The holiday season typically means packing up the car and hitting the road. Whether you’re heading to a family gathering or escaping for a winter vacation, you’ll be joining millions of others on their own festive journeys. While these trips can be filled with joy and anticipation, they also carry risks, including winter weather, heavy holiday traffic, and the general stress of the season.

The holidays are busy enough, so anything that makes travel easier is worth it. With some planning and safe driving habits, you’ll feel more at ease on the road. These tips are here to help you and your loved ones arrive safely and ready to celebrate.

Why Holiday Driving Safety Matters

Holiday travel means more cars on the road, which naturally increases the potential for accidents. During the 2024 Christmas Day holiday period, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that 131 people died on U.S. roads. NSC also estimated that 14,900 medically consulted injuries happened in traffic crashes during the holiday period.

Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including:

• Increased travel volume: More congestion means more sudden stops, delays, and potential hazards.
• Weather conditions: Snow, ice, fog, and rain reduce visibility and traction.
• Nighttime driving: Shorter days mean more time driving in the dark.
• Fatigue: Long drives and tight schedules can lead to drowsy driving.

“Most holiday accidents happen because people are rushed, distracted, or driving in unfamiliar conditions. Taking a moment to plan ahead and stay focused behind the wheel is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road,” says Kevin Quinn, VP Auto Claims.

Before You Hit the Road

A safe holiday trip starts long before you back out of the driveway. Use this checklist to help reduce stress and prevent breakdowns.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Your car works hard during long trips, so make sure it’s in good shape. Perform a quick inspection of the following. (If you are unsure of what to look for, take your vehicle to an automotive maintenance professional to perform an inspection.):

• Tires: Check the tire pressure and tread. Properly inflated tires with good tread are important for traction, especially on wet or icy surfaces.
• Brakes: Listen for any squeaking or grinding sounds. If you notice anything unusual, have your brakes inspected by a professional.
• Lights: Test your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they’re all working correctly.
• Wipers: Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and can effectively clear away rain or snow. Top off your wiper fluid.
• Fluids: Check your oil, coolant, and other essential fluid levels.
• Roadside assistance: Confirm your roadside assistance coverage is active. It can be a lifesaver if you experience a breakdown.

If you’re heading into snowy or mountainous areas, consider packing tire chains or traction mats.

Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Knowing where you’re going is only half the battle. How and when you get there matters, too.

• Use navigation apps: Apps like Google Maps or Waze provide real-time traffic updates and can help you avoid major congestion and accidents.
• Avoid peak travel times: If possible, try to travel on non-peak days. The day before a major holiday is usually the busiest. Leaving early in the morning or later at night can also help you avoid the worst holiday traffic.
• Share your plans: Let a friend or family member know your route and estimated arrival time. This way, someone is aware of your plans in case of an emergency.

Stay Alert and Focused Behind the Wheel

Once you’re on the road, staying alert is one of the most important holiday driving safety tips.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and they’re entirely preventable. Here’s what you should do:

First, put your phone on silent and out of reach to resist the temptation to check notifications. If you need to use your phone for navigation, set it up before you start driving and use hands-free features for any necessary calls.

Also, taking regular breaks helps you stay refreshed and focused. On long trips, plan to stop every two hours or every 100 miles. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and have a snack or a drink. 

Drive Defensively in Holiday Traffic

Defensive driving means anticipating the actions of other drivers and being prepared to react. This is especially important in heavy holiday traffic.

• Expect sudden stops: In congested traffic, be prepared for sudden stops. Keep your eyes on the cars several vehicles ahead of you to anticipate changes in speed.
• Maintain safe following distances: Increase the gap between you and the car in front of you. A safe following distance gives you more time to react if the driver ahead brakes suddenly. Aim for at least a three-to-four-second gap.
• Be patient: Remember that holiday travel is not a race. Everyone wants to get to their destination safely. Responding to aggressive drivers with patience rather than anger can prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.

Adjust for Weather and Road Conditions

Winter weather can change in an instant. Adjusting your driving habits can help you stay safe on slippery or low-visibility roads.

Handling Rain, Snow, or Ice

If you find yourself driving in challenging conditions, consider these holiday driving safety tips:

• Slow down: Reduce your speed to maintain control of your vehicle.
• Avoid sudden movements: Brake, accelerate, and steer gently to avoid skidding.
• Keep headlights on: Use your headlights to improve your visibility and help other drivers see you.
• Carry emergency supplies: Keep an emergency kit in your car with items like blankets, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, water, and non-perishable snacks.

For more tips, check out what first-time snow drivers need to know.

Night Driving Safety Tips

Driving in the dark requires extra caution, especially during the busy holiday season. Here’s what you should do:

• Get enough rest: Make sure you are well-rested before attempting a long drive at night.
• Reduce your speed: It’s harder to see hazards at night, so drive slower than you would during the day.
• Use high beams wisely: Use your high beams on empty roads to increase visibility, but be sure to dim them for oncoming traffic.
• Stay alert for impaired drivers: Be extra cautious and watch for erratic driving behaviors, which can be more common at night.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Even with the best planning, things can still go wrong. Knowing what to do can keep you and your passengers safe.

What to Do in Case of a Breakdown or Accident

If your car breaks down or you’re involved in an accident, your safety is the top priority. Take the following steps if you’re in this situation:

1. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible.
2. Turn on your hazard lights.
3. Call for help: Mercury’s Claims Hotline at (800) 503-3724 or use roadside assistance.
4. Stay inside your vehicle if you’re on a busy roadway.
5. Set up reflective triangles or flares to increase visibility.

Keep Essential Documents Handy

You should also store your important documents in an easily accessible place, like your glove compartment. These documents include:

• Vehicle registration
• Insurance ID card
• Roadside assistance contact information

If you’re a Mercury customer, you can use the Mercury Insurance mobile app to access digital ID cards and other policy information right from your phone.

Safe Travels Start with Smart Insurance

The right car insurance can make a huge difference when you’re traveling for the holidays. It’s the safety net that steps in if something goes wrong,  whether that’s a fender bender, a cracked windshield, or a surprise hailstorm. With solid comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, you’ll know your car’s protected no matter what the road brings.

Mercury also offers helpful add-ons, like Mechanical Protection and Roadside Assistance, that provide even more peace of mind. If your car breaks down, your battery dies, or you get a flat in the middle of nowhere, you’ve got backup. Help is just a phone call away, and you won’t be left trying to figure things out on your own.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Holiday travel should be an exciting part of the celebration, not a source of stress. Take these holiday driving safety tips to heart, so you can protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.

At Mercury, we believe in smart insurance for smart people. When you’re ready to review your auto insurance or update your coverage for the season, Mercury is here to help.