Holiday travel spikes accidents on I‑75

The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and long-awaited road trips. It also brings a sharp increase in traffic on major highways such as Interstate 75. Whether it’s Thanksgiving travel or Christmas celebrations, this interstate becomes one of the busiest routes in the country. Families hit the road to visit loved ones, attend parties, or take winter vacations, but the surge in vehicles creates significant risks. Unfortunately, the mix of congestion, rushed schedules, and seasonal weather makes I-75 especially dangerous during these times.

Accident numbers consistently rise around major holidays, leaving many drivers and passengers facing serious injuries and unexpected hardships. Understanding why these crashes happen and what steps to take afterward is essential for anyone traveling this corridor.

This guide explains the risks of holiday travel on I-75, outlines common causes of accidents, and provides helpful tips for prevention. It also highlights how a personal injury attorney can support victims seeking justice and fair compensation after a holiday crash.

Common Causes of Holiday Accidents on I-75

Several factors contribute to the spike in accidents on I-75 during the holiday season. One of the leading causes is distracted driving. Drivers often use their phones for directions, respond to texts, or adjust music while navigating heavy traffic. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a serious crash at interstate speeds.

Speeding and aggressive driving are also common as travelers try to make up time. When combined with congestion, tailgating and sudden lane changes create a high risk of rear-end collisions and chain-reaction crashes.

Another major factor is impaired driving. Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, and unfortunately, some drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence. These drivers pose a severe risk to themselves and everyone else on the road.

Fatigue also plays a role in many holiday accidents. Long road trips, late-night driving, and tight schedules leave many drivers too tired to react quickly to sudden hazards. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Finally, winter weather conditions increase crash risks. Snow, ice, and freezing rain make it harder to stop, especially for large trucks sharing the interstate. Slippery roads combined with high speeds often lead to multi-vehicle pileups during storms.

Together, these causes show why holiday travel on I-75 requires extra caution and preparation.

Types of Accidents Frequently Seen During Holidays

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, the heavy surge of vehicles on I-75 creates conditions where certain types of accidents become especially common. Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent, commonly caused by stop-and-go traffic near exits, rest areas, and busy urban stretches. Drivers who follow too closely or fail to brake in time can trigger multi-car crashes in these situations.

Multi-vehicle pileups are another serious risk, in particular during winter storms around Christmas. Snow, ice, or freezing rain reduces traction, and when one vehicle loses control, others often have little time or space to avoid impact. These chain-reaction crashes can block multiple lanes and cause widespread injuries.

Drunk driving crashes increase significantly during the holiday season. After Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, or New Year’s celebrations, some drivers make the reckless decision to drive impaired. Alcohol-related collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities on high-speed interstates like I-75.

Finally, truck accidents become more common during the holidays. Shipping companies face tight schedules to meet demand, which puts additional pressure on truck drivers. Fatigue, long hours, and winter weather increase the risk of large commercial vehicles losing control. This is especially dangerous in congested holiday traffic.

These accident types highlight the dangers that come with holiday travel on I-75. The combination of congestion, impaired driving, and winter conditions makes the season one of the riskiest times of the year for motorists.

How Drivers Can Avoid Accidents During the Holidays

While Thanksgiving and Christmas travel on I-75 bring heightened risks, drivers can take proactive steps to protect themselves and others.

The first and most important strategy is to plan ahead. Leaving early and allowing extra travel time reduces the temptation to speed or drive aggressively to make up lost time.

Avoid distractions by silencing phones, setting GPS directions before the trip, and keeping your focus on the road. A few seconds spent looking at a text or adjusting holiday music can cause a life-changing crash.

Never drive impaired. With holiday gatherings often involving alcohol, it’s essential to plan for a designated driver, use a rideshare, or stay overnight if needed. Impaired driving is one of the deadliest causes of holiday accidents and is entirely preventable.

Stay rested before long trips, especially if traveling late at night or returning home after a holiday celebration. Fatigue slows reaction time and makes it harder to stay alert, especially during hours of darkness and heavy traffic. Taking breaks every two to three hours can make long drives safer.

Finally, adjust for winter weather conditions. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights in snow, rain, or fog. If conditions worsen, consider delaying travel rather than risking dangerous stretches of the highway.

By following these prevention strategies, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of becoming another holiday accident statistic on I-75. Safe planning and responsible decisions help ensure the season remains about celebration, not tragedy.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

After a Christmas or Thanksgiving crash on I-75, victims often face overwhelming challenges. Medical bills, lost wages, and stress from dealing with insurance companies can quickly build up. This is where a personal injury attorney becomes an invaluable resource.

A personal injury attorney supports victims by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and proving negligence. They handle tough negotiations with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If necessary, they file lawsuits and represent victims in court. Most importantly, an attorney protects victims’ rights and provides peace of mind so they can focus on healing.

Contact an I-75 Car Accident Lawyer

Holiday travel on I-75 during Thanksgiving and Christmas brings heavy traffic, fatigue, impaired driving, and winter weather, all increasing crash risks. While safe driving helps, accidents still happen. Victims should know they have legal options.

An I-75 car accident attorney can guide them through the process, fight for fair compensation, and hold negligent drivers accountable. Injured drivers or passengers are encouraged to contact the law firm for a free consultation to protect their rights and focus on recovery.

Contact us today to get started on your recovery after your I-75 crash.