The holidays are a time for celebrations, family gatherings, and winter traditions — but in Illinois, they also bring a spike in car accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 1,241 traffic fatalities statewide in 2023. During the holiday period from December 22–25 alone, 12 people lost their lives, and 4 of those crashes involved drivers who tested positive for alcohol. Snow, icy roads, and distracted or impaired drivers can quickly turn a joyful trip into a life-altering event.
Knowing what to do after an accident can protect your rights and your family.
IDOT, ISP: Don’t let a DUI wreck your holidays
Common Causes of Accidents during Holiday Season:
IDOT’s Trends 2019–2023 report shows holiday fatalities are rising, with Thanksgiving deaths up 30.6% and Christmas fatalities up 54.8% compared to the previous four-year average. These numbers highlight how dangerous winter travel has become. Several factors make Illinois roads riskier during the holidays.
1. Weather-related hazards
- Snow, black ice, freezing rain, and reduced visibility all contribute to collisions in the wintertime. Even experienced drivers can lose control when road conditions worsen.
2. Distracted Driving
- The holiday rush often leads to distracted driving. Checking the GPS, responding to messages, or multi-tasking behind the wheel can pull attention away from the road.
3. Impaired driving
- Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, and long travel days can lead to fatigue. Slower reach time can significantly increase the risk of serious crashes.
4. Increased traffic volume
- With more drivers on the road visiting loved ones, shopping, or traveling, road congestion rises. The increased traffic volume brings a higher chance of rear-end accidents and multi-vehicle collisions.
Tips for Safer Holiday Travel
While not every accident is avoidable, taking a few precautionary steps can significantly reduce your risk.
- Check weather and road conditions before traveling
- Avoid driving under the influence or when fatigued
- Plan your route ahead of time and allow extra travel time to prevent rushing
- Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle
What to Do After a Car Accident in Illinois
If you are involved in a car accident, taking the right steps can make a major difference in your recovery – physically and legally.
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
- Move to a safe location, if possible. Contact emergency services immediately.
2. Document the Scene
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Gather witness names and contact information.
3. Exchange information
- Collect insurance and contact information from all other drivers involved.
4. Notify your insurance company
- Report the accident as soon as possible, even if damage seems minor.
5. Seek medical attention
- Some injuries don’t appear right away. A medical evaluation protects your health and provides important documentation.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney
- If you were injured, an experienced personal injury lawyer can explain your rights, handle insurance negotiations, and help pursue compensation.
Even with the best preparation, holiday-season accidents can still happen. What matters most is protecting your health, your rights, and your family’s future.
If you’ve been injured in a holiday car accident, give us a call (888-4HAMMER). The Illinois Hammer is ready to fight for you.
