By: Gary Thompson, Personal Injury Attorney
The holidays are supposed to be a time for family, celebration, and a little relaxation – but on the road, it’s often the opposite. According to the National Safety Council, the days surrounding Thanksgiving consistently rank among the deadliest travel days in the country. And here in Nevada, especially in Las Vegas, the risk is even higher.
Between Thanksgiving travelers, Black Friday shoppers, families heading to holiday events, and tourists unfamiliar with our roads, November through December brings some of the heaviest traffic, highest stress levels, and most distracted drivers to Clark County.
After more than 30 years handling car accident cases across Nevada, I can confidently say: most holiday collisions are preventable with a little more awareness and preparation.
Here’s how to help protect yourself and your loved ones during the busy holiday travel season.
- Avoid Peak Travel Times When You Can
If possible, avoid traveling at the busiest and most dangerous times of the season. Accident rates spike during:
- The Wednesday before Thanksgiving
- Black Friday
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve
If you can leave early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll face lighter traffic and fewer stressed, rushing drivers. It may require shifting your schedule, but arriving safely is always worth it.
- Slow Down – Even If You’re Running Behind
Holiday schedules are tight. Everyone is juggling events, errands, and family gatherings. It’s exactly why speeding and tailgating contribute to so many preventable crashes in Las Vegas this time of year.
Traffic jams are unavoidable during the holidays. Rushing won’t get you there faster, but it will increase your risk of a rear-end collision.
A good rule of thumb:
Add 15 extra minutes to every trip, even quick errands. Patience protects everyone on the road.
- Watch Out for Distracted Drivers
Holiday distractions are everywhere:
- Phones buzzing with holiday plans
- GPS navigation to unfamiliar destinations
- Kids or pets in the back seat
- Mental stress from holiday commitments
Even if you are focused, assume other drivers are not. Give extra space between vehicles, anticipate sudden stops, and avoid cars that are swerving or braking unpredictably. If you see dangerous behavior, keep your distance and call 911 if necessary.
And remember: If you’ve had alcohol at a holiday gathering, never drive. Use rideshare, call a friend, or designate a sober driver.
- Don’t Drive Drowsy
Holiday fatigue is real. Between shopping, cooking, hosting, and working, many Nevadans hit the road already exhausted. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. If you’re feeling sleepy, pull over at a rest stop or better yet, let someone else take the wheel. Even a 10-minute break can prevent a serious collision.
- Prepare for Seasonal Weather Conditions
Nevada weather may be mild, but holiday travel often involves:
- Early morning frost
- Mountain travel
- Out-of-state road trips
Before you hit the road, double-check:
- Tire pressure and tread
- Windshield wipers
- Headlights
- Emergency kits and blankets
A little preparation can prevent a minor roadside issue from becoming a dangerous situation.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident This Holiday Season
Even careful drivers can’t control what others do. If you’re involved in a crash during the holidays:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show up for days.
- Document everything: take photos, exchange information, and get contact info from witnesses.
- Don’t accept blame or sign anything from an insurance company without talking to a lawyer first.
Insurance companies know people are distracted and stressed during the holidays. They may try to offer quick, low settlements hoping you’ll accept and move on. Don’t fall for it. Your health and your legal rights deserve more than that.
If an Accident Happens, You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone
I truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe, peaceful holiday season. But if the worst happens and you find yourself dealing with injuries, medical bills, or uncooperative insurance adjusters, I’m here to help you navigate the process.
Call (702) 383-6040 for a free consultation. Let’s make sure you get the care and compensation you deserve – so you can get back to what matters most: time with the people you love.