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The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and travel—but it’s also one of the most dangerous times of year to be on Georgia’s roads. Increased traffic, distracted drivers, impaired driving, and winter weather conditions all contribute to a spike in serious car accidents during the holidays.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we see firsthand how devastating holiday car accidents can be for Georgia families. While no one can control the actions of other drivers, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a crash. Below are practical, Georgia-specific holiday driving tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Georgia consistently ranks among states with high traffic fatality rates, and holidays only worsen the risk. According to traffic safety data, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s weekends often see sharp increases in:
Drunk and drug-impaired driving
Speeding and aggressive driving
Distracted driving due to phones and in-car technology
Fatigued drivers traveling long distances
Major interstates like I-75, I-85, I-20, and I-285 become particularly hazardous during peak holiday travel times. Understanding these risks is the first step toward preventing an accident.
One of the simplest ways to reduce holiday driving risk is to plan your travel carefully.
Tips:
Travel early in the morning when traffic volume is lower
Avoid driving late at night, especially after holiday parties
Check traffic conditions and weather forecasts before leaving
Build extra time into your schedule to avoid rushing
Speeding to “make up time” is a leading cause of serious crashes in Georgia. Leaving early can literally save lives.
Georgia has strict DUI laws, and for good reason. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, drivers can be arrested for DUI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, but impairment can be found at lower levels.
During the holidays:
Law enforcement increases DUI checkpoints and patrols
Drunk driving accidents spike dramatically
Many crashes involve innocent drivers hit by impaired motorists
Safe alternatives include:
Designating a sober driver
Using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft
Staying overnight if alcohol is involved
If you suspect another driver is impaired, keep your distance and call 911 when safe to do so.
Holiday stress, navigation apps, and constant phone notifications make distracted driving more common than ever.
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241) prohibits drivers from holding or using a phone while driving. Unfortunately, many drivers still ignore the law—especially during busy travel periods.
Protect yourself by:
Staying alert at intersections
Avoiding drivers who are swerving or braking erratically
Keeping extra following distance
Limiting your own distractions inside the vehicle
A moment of distraction can cause a lifetime of consequences.
While Georgia doesn’t experience harsh winters like northern states, rain, fog, ice, and occasional snow can make roads extremely dangerous—especially for drivers unaccustomed to winter conditions.
Holiday weather safety tips:
Reduce speed during rain or freezing temperatures
Increase following distance on wet or icy roads
Use headlights in rain or fog
Avoid bridges and overpasses during freezing conditions, as they ice over first
Remember: Georgia law requires drivers to adjust their driving to road conditions. Failing to do so can result in liability after an accident.
Seat belts save lives. Georgia law requires all front-seat occupants and children under 18 to be properly restrained.
During holiday crashes, unrestrained occupants are far more likely to suffer:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Fatal injuries in high-speed collisions
Before every trip—no matter how short—make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled.
Holiday shopping, parades, and neighborhood gatherings increase pedestrian traffic, especially in shopping centers and residential areas.
Watch closely for:
Pedestrians crossing outside marked crosswalks
Children in parking lots
Poor visibility after dark
Drivers in Georgia have a legal duty to exercise care to avoid hitting pedestrians, particularly in areas where foot traffic is expected.
Even the safest drivers can be injured by someone else’s negligence. If you’re involved in a holiday accident:
Call 911 and report the crash
Seek medical attention immediately
Take photos and gather witness information
Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies
Contact an experienced Georgia car accident attorney
Under Georgia law, injury victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more—especially when another driver’s negligence caused the crash.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we represent Georgians injured in serious car accidents—especially those caused by drunk, distracted, or reckless drivers during the holidays. Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims, but we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable.
If you or a loved one is injured in a holiday car accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. An experienced attorney can make all the difference.
The best gift you can give your family is getting home safely. By following these holiday driving tips and staying alert on Georgia roads, you can reduce your risk of a serious accident.
If the unexpected happens, Kevin Patrick Law is here to protect your rights and help you move forward.
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