The stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is the most wonderful time of the year – and one of the deadliest on the road. More travel, more celebrations, and more impaired drivers combine to make the holidays a genuinely dangerous time to drive in California.
Here is why the risk climbs, and how to protect yourself and your family this season.
Why the Holidays Are So Dangerous
Several risks peak at once. Highways fill with holiday travelers, often driving long distances while tired. Celebrations mean more alcohol – and impaired driving surges around Thanksgiving eve, one of the year’s biggest drinking nights, and again on New Year’s Eve. Add early darkness and winter weather, and the season becomes a perfect storm for serious crashes.
The Drunk-Driving Spike
Impaired driving is the single biggest holiday danger. Law enforcement across California responds with extra patrols and DUI checkpoints throughout the season, but the risk remains high. If you are hit by a drunk driver, your claim is separate from any criminal case against them – and a driver’s decision to drive impaired can, in some cases, support a claim for punitive damages beyond your actual losses.
How to Stay Safe This Season
A few habits make a real difference:
- Never drive after drinking – plan a designated driver, a rideshare, or a place to stay.
- Build in extra time so you are not rushing through holiday traffic.
- Stay alert for impaired drivers, especially late at night and around the holidays.
- Buckle up every trip, and keep young passengers properly secured.
If You’re Hurt Over the Holidays
If another driver’s carelessness injures you this season, get medical care, call the police, and document everything. A holiday crash is stressful enough without facing an insurance company alone.
No family should have their holidays changed by a preventable crash. If you or someone you love was injured by a negligent or impaired driver in California, Ellin Mardirosian Law offers a free consultation to explain your options.
Helpful Resources & Links
Practice Areas – Ellin Mardirosian Law
Free Consultation – Contact Us
NHTSA – U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Free consultation with Ellin Mardirosian Law – call (747) 310-5200. Representing accident and injury victims across California and Nevada. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Armenian.
Disclaimer: This article is general information about California (and, where noted, Nevada) law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different – for guidance on your situation, speak with a licensed attorney.
