The holiday season is a time for celebration, reflection, and togetherness. Families gather, friends reconnect, and communities come alive with lights, decorations, and seasonal events. At Jones Kahan Law, we want to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Holidays and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Unfortunately, this time of year also brings an increase in accidents and injuries—especially on the roads. As a plaintiff personal injury law firm serving Ohio and Kentucky, we see firsthand how quickly a joyful season can be disrupted by a preventable injury. Our goal with this message is not to dampen the holiday spirit, but to help you stay informed, prepared, and safe as you navigate the weeks ahead.
Why the Holiday Season Is Riskier on the Roads
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, traffic patterns change dramatically. There are simply more drivers on the road, many of whom are:
- Traveling long distances
- Driving in unfamiliar areas
- Distracted by phones, navigation systems, or holiday stress
- Driving during late-night or early-morning hours
- Impaired by alcohol or drugs
In Ohio and Kentucky, winter weather compounds these risks. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and fluctuating temperatures create hazardous road conditions that demand extra caution—even for experienced drivers.
Common Holiday-Related Road Hazards
1. Winter Weather Conditions
Snow and ice significantly reduce traction, making it harder to stop, turn, or maintain control of your vehicle. Black ice—thin, nearly invisible ice on the roadway—is especially dangerous and common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.
Safety tips:
- Slow down and increase your following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
- Keep your headlights on in low-visibility conditions
- Make sure your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good condition
2. Increased Drunk and Impaired Driving
Holiday parties and celebrations often involve alcohol. Sadly, this leads to a spike in drunk-driving accidents during the holiday season.
Safety tips:
- Never drive after drinking—plan a ride or designate a sober driver
- Be alert for erratic driving behavior from others
- Avoid late-night driving when possible, especially on weekends and holidays
3. Distracted Driving
Between adjusting the radio to holiday music, checking directions, or responding to text messages, distracted driving is a major cause of serious accidents this time of year.
Safety tips:
- Put your phone away while driving
- Set navigation and playlists before you start driving
- Stay focused on the road, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather
4. Fatigue and Long Drives
Holiday travel often means long hours on the road. Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment, similar to alcohol impairment.
Safety tips:
- Take regular breaks during long trips
- Share driving responsibilities when possible
- If you feel drowsy, pull over—no destination is worth the risk
Beyond the Roads: Other Holiday Injury Risks
While car accidents are a leading concern, they aren’t the only source of holiday injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Icy sidewalks, poorly maintained parking lots, and wet floors in stores and restaurants can all lead to serious slip and fall injuries.
- Wear appropriate footwear with good traction
- Use handrails when available
- Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe
Pedestrian Accidents
With increased foot traffic around shopping centers, downtown areas, and holiday events, pedestrian accidents also rise during this season.
- Drivers should remain alert in crowded areas
- Pedestrians should use crosswalks and remain visible at night
What to Do If You’re Injured During the Holidays
Despite best efforts, accidents still happen. If you or a loved one is injured due to someone else’s negligence, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the accident to police or property management when appropriate
- Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness information
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without legal guidance
- Consult an experienced personal injury attorney
At Jones Kahan Law, we understand that injuries don’t take a holiday. We are here to help injured individuals and families across Ohio and Kentucky navigate the legal process with clarity, compassion, and determination.
Looking Ahead to a Safe and Successful New Year
As the year comes to a close, many people reflect on what matters most—health, family, and security. Staying safe on the roads and in public spaces is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to protect those priorities.
If the unexpected happens, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Our firm is committed to standing up for injured individuals and holding negligent parties accountable, so our clients can focus on healing and moving forward.
From all of us at Jones Kahan Law, we wish you a Happy Holidays, safe travels throughout the season, and a healthy, successful New Year. May the year ahead bring peace, joy, and new opportunities—and may you arrive there safely.
