Holiday Travel Safety: The Red Cross’s New Guide to Road Trip Preparedness

Published on December 21, 2025

The holiday season is one of the busiest periods of the year when it comes to travel. Whether going home to family, on a holiday vacation, or to experience the holiday festivities, millions of travelers take to the highways. However, as American Red Cross reminds, this is also a very perilous time of year to be a traveler. Keith Paul, Regional Communications Director, American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, has this message to all of us, particularly car travelers.

The Holiday Travel Dangers: Fatalities, Injuries, and Impaired Driving
As we gear up for the holiday season, it’s important to recognize the dangers that come with travel. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 860 traffic fatalities are expected, and nearly 100,000 injuries are predicted during the Christmas and New Year’s travel periods. Among these, impaired driving remains the leading cause of traffic-related fatalities.

Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, contributes to a significant number of traffic accidents during the holidays. In fact, data from the NSC indicates that impaired driving accounts for 37% of traffic fatalities during the Christmas holiday and 34% during the New Year’s period. This highlights the importance of responsible driving practices, such as avoiding alcohol before getting behind the wheel and ensuring that there is a designated driver.

The Red Cross’s Message: A Reminder That Behind Every Statistic Is a Real Person
Heidi Ruster, the CEO of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, emphasizes the human side of these statistics. “Behind every statistic is a real person and a family whose holiday will never be the same,” she says. This powerful reminder aims to make travelers aware of how easily tragedies can occur, often due to preventable factors like impaired driving, distracted driving, or neglecting basic safety measures.

In fact, many of these tragic accidents could be avoided by making simple, smart decisions, such as buckling up, planning ahead for a sober ride, and staying focused while driving. For those planning to travel by car this holiday season, these basic safety precautions can be life-saving.

Key Red Cross Tips for Safe Holiday Travel
The American Red Cross provides practical tips to ensure that you are prepared and safe when traveling this holiday season:

1. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Journey
It’s essential to plan ahead before hitting the road. Checking the weather forecast, mapping out your route, and informing someone of your travel plans are all key steps in preparing for a safe trip. By knowing the road conditions and having a clear route in mind, you can avoid unnecessary stress and take proactive measures if any travel disruptions arise.

2. Pack an Emergency Kit
Being prepared for unexpected situations is crucial, especially if you’re traveling through areas that may experience inclement weather. The Red Cross advises drivers to pack an emergency kit that includes essential items such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a blanket, jumper cables, and a cellphone charger. These items can be lifesavers in the event of a breakdown, an accident, or a snowstorm.

3. Stay Safe While Driving
While on the road, always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions (like using your phone), and focus on the task at hand: driving. It’s also critical to avoid speeding, especially when weather conditions may make the roads slippery. Additionally, the Red Cross urges all drivers to plan for a sober ride, whether that’s designating a driver, using a rideshare service, or finding an alternative transportation option if drinking is involved.

4. Be Ready for Cold Weather Conditions
Winter weather can quickly turn treacherous. If you’re traveling to areas that may experience snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, it’s essential to prepare for the possibility of getting stuck in cold weather. The Red Cross recommends packing warm clothing such as blankets, hats, gloves, and socks. It’s also important to have items like sand, cat litter, or traction mats to help you regain traction if you get stuck. Don’t forget an ice scraper and a small shovel to clear your car if necessary.

The Impact on Travelers and Tourists
Traveling for the holidays can be a stressful experience, particularly for tourists who are unfamiliar with local weather conditions or roadways. Whether you are visiting popular tourist destinations or traveling to see family, the risk of accidents is higher during the winter months. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility can cause roadways to become hazardous, even in areas typically not prone to severe weather.

For international tourists, particularly those visiting destinations in the U.S. that experience heavy snowfall, such as mountain towns or ski resorts, it’s essential to take extra precautions. Ensuring that vehicles are equipped for winter driving, having proper knowledge of local traffic laws, and understanding emergency contact procedures can help mitigate some of the risks associated with holiday travel.

Staying Safe and Prepared

The holidays are a time of joy, but also of increased travel and caution. The American Red Cross wants travelers to be as safe as possible, so it urges these safety tips to be taken seriously. You can make your holiday travel experience less prone to accidents, free of unnecessary pressures, and smooth by planning ahead of time, packing an emergency kit, and minimizing distractions while driving.