As we approach the busy holiday travel season, drivers in North Carolina face a familiar mix: heavy traffic, long hours behind the wheel, and elevated crash risk. However, this year, the usual pattern could be compounded by the disruption in air travel. Staffing shortages among air-traffic controllers and operational constraints for airlines are prompting more families to choose road trips over flying. With more vehicles on the road than in a typical year, especially in and around the Raleigh region, caution is more important than ever.
U.S. air travel is experiencing significant disruptions due to a shortage of air-traffic controllers, and during the government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to reduce flights at dozens of airports nationwide. Even with the government reopening, it may take time for air travel to get back to normal. Many travelers will likely choose to drive rather than risk delays or cancellations, increasing traffic on North Carolina’s highways. This surge is expected to amplify congestion, stress, and the potential for crashes, especially during peak travel days.
Holiday Driving Travel Risks
Historically, major holiday periods see a spike in motor vehicle fatalities compared with non-holiday times. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that hundreds of deaths occur during peak holiday weekends each year due to preventable traffic crashes. Factors contributing to these accidents include speeding, driver distraction, impairment, and fatigue. North Carolina drivers, navigating heavily traveled corridors like I-40, I-85, and I-95, face these risks amplified by increased traffic volumes.
The NSC defines holiday travel windows to reflect the periods when crash risk is historically the highest—beginning the evening before a major holiday and lasting through the end of the weekend. For Thanksgiving 2025, this high-risk window begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, and continues through Sunday, November 30, capturing the dense mix of long-distance travelers, local holiday traffic, and nighttime driving. The Christmas 2025 travel period similarly stretches from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, through Sunday, December 28, when fatigue, congestion, and unpredictable weather can increase the likelihood of crashes. The New Year’s travel periods follow the same pattern from December 31, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026, overlapping with some of the most dangerous days of the year for impaired driving. Together, these extended holiday periods help explain why North Carolina experiences such heavy roadway volume—and elevated crash risk—throughout the entire holiday season.
How to Stay Safe on the Roads During Holiday Travel
Given the crowded roadway environment, safe holiday driving becomes more than a good idea—it becomes essential. Planning and preparation are key to reducing your risk while driving.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before heading out, ensure your car is ready for the journey. Check tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels. Make sure windows and mirrors are clean and clear. A properly maintained vehicle reduces the chance of mechanical failure and helps you respond safely in heavy traffic.
Plan Your Trip
Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing and reduce stress. Check traffic and weather conditions ahead of time, and consider leaving outside of peak congestion periods. Even small adjustments to your departure schedule can help prevent fatigue and improve safety.
Drive Defensively
Pay close attention to other drivers. Increased traffic, merging vehicles, and lane changes require alertness and patience. Keep a safe following distance and avoid distracted driving, such as using mobile devices or in-car activities. Adapt your speed to the conditions rather than simply following the posted speed limit, which assumes ideal driving circumstances.
Avoid Impairment and Fatigue
Holiday travel often involves long hours on the road and celebrations that may include alcohol. Never drive impaired, and take breaks to combat fatigue. Being well-rested and sober is critical to reducing crash risk.
Buckle Up
Seat belts are the single most effective way to prevent serious injury in a crash. Make sure all passengers, front and back, are properly restrained.
What to Do If an Accident Occurs
Even with careful preparation, North Carolina car accidents can happen. If you are involved in a crash, the first priority is safety. Call emergency services immediately if anyone is injured. Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and signage. Gather witness information whenever possible. Prompt documentation can be critical if you need to pursue compensation or insurance claims.
By preparing your vehicle, planning your trip carefully, driving defensively, and ensuring all passengers are restrained, you can significantly reduce your risk of catastrophic injuries in a crash. And if the worst does happen, having trusted legal counsel on your side ensures you're not navigating the aftermath alone.
From all of us at the Whitley Law Firm, we wish you a safe, smooth, and happy holiday travel season.
