The end-of-year holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it often brings an unavoidable shadow of stress and fatigue. Many people find themselves physically and mentally drained between hosting family gatherings, shopping for the perfect gifts, and navigating packed calendars of events. Unfortunately, this holiday hustle and bustle can make our roads more dangerous, especially here in Stillwater, OK.
Stress and fatigue don’t just affect how you feel—they impact how you drive. Exhaustion can slow reaction times, impair decision-making, and increase the likelihood of accidents. Combined with the unique challenges of the holiday season, this can be a recipe for disaster. Understanding these risks and taking steps to manage them can save lives and prevent heartbreak.
Why Does the Holiday Season See More Car Accidents?
1. Burnout from Busy Schedules
From mid-November through the New Year, it can feel like the entire world is speeding up, and so are you. Whether you’re rushing to make it to your child’s holiday recital or braving the crowds at Stillwater’s bustling stores like any of the shops along Main Street, the push to "do it all" can leave you distracted and exhausted behind the wheel.
Tight schedules often lead to risky behaviors, like driving faster than usual or cutting corners on safety. This rush-to-get-there mentality is a major contributor to accidents during the holiday season.
2. Holiday Fatigue
Late nights spent wrapping presents, attending holiday parties, or traveling long distances to visit family all add up to one thing: fatigue. Driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), driving without enough rest reduces your ability to focus and increases your risk of a crash.
Sadly, holiday travel also worsens this issue. Travelers on long-haul road trips often push themselves to drive “just another hour,” with disastrous results.
3. Stress’s Impact on Focus
The emotional toll of the holidays is just as dangerous as physical fatigue. Money worries, strained family dynamics, and endless to-do lists can seriously affect mental clarity. When stress takes over, one's ability to stay focused on the road diminishes, leading to missed stop signs, rear-end collisions, or worse.
4. More Alcohol-Related Crashes
Holiday parties and family gatherings often involve alcohol. While most people are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, incidents still spike during the holiday season. Drinking even small amounts can impair judgment and slow reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents during this already-risky time of year.
Tips for Managing Holiday Stress and Staying Safe
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not tragedy. By planning ahead and making intentional choices, you can reduce stress, stay alert, and protect yourself and others on the road this season. Here’s how:
1. Plan Ahead
Prepare for holiday travel by building extra time into your schedule. Whether you’re driving to a gathering or running errands, leaving early reduces the need to rush. Be mindful of local traffic hot spots here in Stillwater, like areas near major retail centers or Highway 177, which can get particularly congested during peak shopping hours.
2. Prioritize Rest
Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep during this busy season. Make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of rest each night, especially if you’re planning to drive. If you feel drowsy during your travels, don’t push through. Pull over, take a short nap, or switch drivers if possible.
3. Take Breaks on Long Trips
If you’re traveling long distances to visit family, plan to stop every two hours to stretch your legs and reenergize. This can lower fatigue and help you stay focused. There are several great rest stops near Stillwater and along nearby I-35, where you can take a breather.
4. Limit Alcohol Consumption
If your celebrations involve alcohol, always plan for a designated driver or use ride-sharing services like Uber to get home safely. Remind friends and family to do the same. Remember, even “buzzed driving” can lead to devastating accidents.
5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Skipping meals or loading up on sugary holiday treats might seem harmless, but these habits can leave you feeling sluggish and less alert. Fuel your body with balanced meals and drink plenty of water to maintain your energy for safer driving.
6. Manage Stress Creatively
Stress management is essential during the holiday season. Try deep-breathing exercises, taking short walks, or even listening to your favorite music to calm your mind. Sharing responsibilities, whether assigning tasks to family members or setting limits on your commitments, can also help you stay centered.
7. Practice Defensive Driving
Be extra cautious on the road. Other drivers may also be stressed, distracted, or fatigued during the holidays. Keep a safe following distance, assume the other drivers may make mistakes, and always stay alert to your surroundings.
What to Do If an Accident Happens
Even the best preparation can’t always prevent an accident when others on the road are careless. If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident during the holiday season, here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health should be your priority, so don’t delay getting care, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Document the Accident: Take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and file a police report.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you don’t have to deal with insurance companies alone.
If you’re in Stillwater, working with a local attorney ensures you’ll have someone who understands Oklahoma laws and can provide tailored advice to your situation.
Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
Readers can utilize templates and checklists to effectively organize travel and safety measures, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable holiday journey. At Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach, we assist our clients in Stillwater, OK, providing them with resources designed to foster safe driving habits. We encourage all drivers to consider these resources as part of their holiday travel preparations. If you find yourself in need of legal advice or support following a holiday accident, don't hesitate to reach out at to our experienced team. Safety should never be an afterthought, and informed decisions can make all the difference on the road.