Holiday Travel Risks: Safety Tips from a Treasure Coast Accident Attorney

The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, festive celebrations, and making memories. But before you pack the car, load up the gifts, and head out to celebrate, there’s something every Treasure Coast driver should keep in mind: the holiday rush brings serious risks to Florida’s roadways.

From congested stretches of I-95 to crowded intersections in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Vero Beach, the combination of increased travel, distracted drivers, and holiday celebrations can turn an ordinary trip into a dangerous situation.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd Law Firm, our Treasure Coast accident attorneys know that a serious car accident can change a family’s life in seconds. As one of the Treasure Coast’s most experienced injury law firms, we’re committed to helping our neighbors understand the dangers of holiday travel, take steps to stay safe, and protect their rights when another driver’s negligence causes an injury.

Data shows accidents spike during the holiday season

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the 2025 holiday season had a high number of traffic fatalities and accidents.

• Thanksgiving week: An estimated 439 traffic fatalities nationwide, along with approximately 50,100 nonfatal injuries requiring medical consultation.
• Christmas week: An estimated 431 traffic fatalities nationwide and approximately 49,100 nonfatal medically consulted injuries.

Combined, these reports represent 870 traffic deaths and nearly 100,000 injuries during just two major holiday travel periods, highlighting the serious dangers motorists face during some of the busiest travel days of the year.

For Treasure Coast residents traveling along I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, and busy local roads, these numbers serve as an important reminder: It only takes one distracted, impaired, or reckless driver to turn a holiday celebration into a life-changing tragedy.

Why do car accident risks increase during the holidays?

Holiday travel brings a unique combination of driving hazards. Although crash rates don’t necessarily increase during every holiday compared with other times of year, several seasonal factors can make collisions more likely.

More vehicles create more opportunities for collisions

Holiday travelers, seasonal residents, tourists, and commercial vehicles can contribute to heavier traffic throughout the Treasure Coast.

Major routes such as Interstate 95, Florida’s Turnpike, U.S. Highway 1, and busy local intersections may experience congestion as people travel to celebrations, shopping centers, airports, and vacation destinations. Stop-and-go traffic can increase the potential for rear-end collisions, while crowded intersections create opportunities for dangerous turning accidents.

Holiday celebrations can lead to impaired driving

Alcohol-related crashes remain a major holiday safety concern. According to the NSC, alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 35% of traffic fatalities during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday period and 37% during the 2023 Christmas holiday period.

Driving under the influence slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and makes it more difficult to respond to unexpected hazards.

Distractions and stress can lead to dangerous decisions

Between last-minute shopping, navigating unfamiliar roads, and trying to arrive on schedule, drivers may be more likely to multitask or become impatient. Checking a phone, adjusting navigation, or rushing through an intersection can have devastating consequences.

Long-distance travel increases driver fatigue

Holiday road trips often involve early departures, late arrivals, and hours behind the wheel. Drowsy drivers may struggle to maintain their lane, recognize hazards, or react quickly enough to avoid a collision.

 The takeaway: Holiday traffic can be unpredictable, and even responsible drivers may encounter motorists who are distracted, impaired, or driving aggressively.

Where should Treasure Coast drivers be especially cautious during holiday travel?

The Treasure Coast’s major transportation corridors connect residential communities, shopping destinations, and popular vacation areas. During the holidays, motorists should be especially attentive in several types of locations.

• Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike: High-speed traffic, merging vehicles, sudden slowdowns, and commercial trucks can contribute to severe collisions.

• S. Highway 1: Frequent intersections, turning vehicles, pedestrian activity, and shopping traffic require careful attention.

• Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce commercial areas: Increased shopping and restaurant traffic can lead to congestion, especially during evenings and weekends.

• Stuart and Vero Beach intersections: Drivers unfamiliar with local roads may make unexpected turns or last-minute lane changes.

Wherever you’re traveling, remember that changing traffic patterns can create hazards even along familiar routes.

What safety precautions can help prevent a holiday car accident?

A safer holiday trip begins before you start your engine. Taking a few simple precautions can reduce your exposure to dangerous driving situations.

1. Choose your travel times carefully. When possible, avoid peak travel periods and give yourself flexibility. Leaving earlier or adjusting your schedule may help you avoid the most congested stretches of highway.
2. Watch for aggressive and unpredictable drivers. Keep a safe distance from vehicles that are speeding, tailgating, or changing lanes abruptly. Avoid engaging with aggressive motorists.
3. Be especially cautious at intersections. Watch for vehicles running red lights, making sudden turns, or failing to yield. Even when you have the right of way, check that other drivers are stopping before proceeding.
4. Keep your phone out of reach. Program your destination before leaving and use hands-free navigation. If you need to send a message or change your route, pull over somewhere safe.
5. Make a plan for holiday celebrations. If you plan to drink alcohol, arrange a sober ride before the festivities begin. Never assume you’re safe to drive simply because you’ve had time to eat or drink water.
6. Prepare for nighttime driving. Check that your headlights are working, keep your windshield clean, and reduce your speed when visibility is limited.
7. Protect every passenger. Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt and that children are secured in age- and size-appropriate car seats or booster seats. The NSC estimates that seat belts are approximately 45% effective at preventing fatalities among front-seat passenger car occupants.

What should you do if you’re injured in a holiday car accident?

No one expects to spend the holidays dealing with injuries, emergency rooms, and insurance companies. Unfortunately, accidents can happen even when you take every precaution.

If you’re injured in a collision on the Treasure Coast, the actions you take afterward can affect your physical recovery and your ability to pursue compensation.

1. Prioritize your safety and call for help: Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or emergency assistance is needed. If your vehicle can be moved safely and doing so is appropriate, get out of active traffic. Otherwise, follow emergency personnel’s instructions.

2. Get medical care, even if your injuries seem minor: The adrenaline following an accident can mask symptoms of serious injuries. Neck and back injuries, concussions, and other conditions may become more noticeable hours or days later. Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) insurance generally requires qualifying initial medical treatment within 14 days of an accident to access PIP medical benefits. Don’t delay necessary medical care while waiting to see whether your symptoms improve. 

3. Preserve information about the crash: If your condition allows, gather important details that can help support your injury claim, including:

• Photographs of vehicle damage and the surrounding roadway
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Driver and insurance information
• The responding law enforcement agency and crash report number
• Medical records and accident-related expenses

4. Be cautious when speaking with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after a collision, sometimes while you’re still recovering. Avoid guessing about fault, minimizing your injuries, or accepting a settlement before understanding the full extent of your losses.

5. Speak with a Treasure Coast accident attorney: An attorney can help investigate the : crash, evaluate available insurance coverage, identify responsible parties, and determine whether you have grounds to pursue compensation.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we help injured people navigate the legal process so they can focus on recovering and caring for their families.

Injured in a Treasure Coast accident?

Call 866-930-6435 for a free consultation with a Treasure Coast accident attorney

A car accident can leave you facing painful injuries, missed work, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. You shouldn’t have to face those challenges alone.

For more than 40 years, Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd has fought for injured individuals and families throughout Florida’s Treasure Coast. With offices in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Okeechobee, our team understands the communities we serve and the challenges accident victims face.

Whether you were injured in a rear-end collision, an intersection accident, or a serious highway crash, we’re ready to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation by calling 866-930-6435

Frequently asked questions about holiday accidents on the Treasure Coast

What if a tourist or out-of-state driver causes my accident?

You may still have legal options if an out-of-state driver causes an accident in Florida. An attorney can help evaluate the applicable insurance policies, determine responsibility, and explain how Florida law may affect your claim.

Can I recover compensation if the other driver was drunk?

Potentially. If an impaired driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have grounds to pursue compensation. Depending on the facts, additional legal remedies may also be available.

What if I don’t feel injured until the day after the accident?

Some injuries take time to produce noticeable symptoms. Seek medical attention promptly and explain that you were recently involved in a collision. Florida’s PIP rules generally require qualifying initial medical treatment within 14 days for medical benefits to be available.

Should I hire a Treasure Coast accident attorney for a rear-end collision?

If you’ve been injured, consulting an attorney may be beneficial, particularly when fault is disputed, medical expenses are significant, or an insurance company challenges your claim. An attorney can evaluate your circumstances and explain your options.

How much does it cost to speak with Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd?

Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd offers free, no-obligation consultations. You can discuss your accident, ask questions, and learn about potential next steps without paying for the initial case review.

If you’ve been injured in an accident on the Treasure Coast, call 866-930-6435 to speak with a Treasure Coast accident attorney today.