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As travel picks up through December and early January, these holiday driving safety tips help keep those on the road safer amid winter weather, heavier traffic, and rises in impaired or distracted driving. With millions of people on the road and storm systems that can quickly change conditions, planning ahead, preparing your vehicle, and staying focused behind the wheel are essential for avoiding preventable incidents. Taking a few smart precautions can make holiday travel safer, smoother, and far less stressful.
Expect busier than normal holiday traffic, especially on weekends before Christmas and around New Year’s Day.
Impaired driving peaks in late December, with alcohol contributing to up to 40% of New Year’s traffic deaths.
Phone distraction increases around the holidays, so keep devices out of reach and stay focused on changing road conditions.
Winter storms can cause sudden hazards so prepare your vehicle, slow down, and adjust travel plans if weather worsens.
Expect busier than normal holiday traffic, especially on weekends before Christmas and around New Year’s Day.
Impaired driving peaks in late December, with alcohol contributing to up to 40% of New Year’s traffic deaths.
Phone distraction increases around the holidays, so keep devices out of reach and stay focused on changing road conditions.
Winter storms can cause sudden hazards so prepare your vehicle, slow down, and adjust travel plans if weather worsens.
The holiday season is one of the busiest and riskiest times to be on Canadian roads. Travel demand continues to climb nationwide, with especially heavy volumes around Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s. With winter storms, heavier traffic, and more drivers rushing between holiday plans, it helps to stay alert. These tips are here to make your holiday travel feel safer and easier, whether you’re heading out with family or helping your drivers get through the season confidently.
Holiday travel in Canada brings predictable congestion, especially on major corridors like the 401, the Trans-Canada, and border routes into the U.S. In many regions, the days just before and after Christmas are among the worst for delays. Last year, Canada’s busiest highway, the 401, in the Greater Toronto Area was closed down due to congestion from Boxing Day shoppers.
Border crossings can become particularly congested. In 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency recorded 93.4 million travellers, with long weekends and holiday periods generating major surges. Early-morning crossings are recommended to avoid peak backups, especially ahead of New Year’s travel.
Be sure to plan your drive for early morning or late evening. Before 11 a.m. is ideal in many cities as you’re more likely to avoid the worst slowdowns and reach your destination with less stress.
Impaired driving remains a major concern across Canada during the holiday season. Police forces nationwide launch Festive RIDE programs and holiday Checkstops, and year after year, officers continue to report hundreds of impaired-driving charges between Christmas and New Year’s. Last year, for example, the OPP charged 743 drivers with impaired driving between November 21, 2024, and January 1, 2025.
These incidents are entirely preventable by planning ahead with a designated driver, rideshare, taxi, transit, or programs like Operation Red Nose. Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking you are okay to drive after having just one or two. It’s easy for judgement to become impaired and these designated driver programs are an excellent way to ensure to don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had any alcohol.
Holiday driving can be hectic, and distractions often arise as people coordinate plans and navigate unfamiliar routes. A recent survey found that more than 52 per cent of Canadians are less focused when driving during the holiday season due to stress, fatigue and social obligations.
In congested conditions, even a quick glance at your phone can take your attention away from hazards like sudden braking, snowdrifts, wildlife near the roadway, or rapidly changing surface conditions. Keep your phone out of reach, use hands-free navigation, and let passengers handle messages or directions so you can focus on the road ahead.
Canada’s December–January driving season brings some of the harshest conditions of the year. CAA clubs across the country respond to surges in calls due to dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and ditch recoveries. Between December 2023 and March 2024 CAA Quebec responded to 205,000 service calls. Many because in extremely cold weather, a vehicle’s battery loses around 75% of its capacity.
Cold weather drains batteries and reduces tire pressure quickly. A quick vehicle check before you leave (battery, tires, fluids, wipers, winter washer fluid) can prevent unwelcome surprises. Packing winter essentials like blankets, a shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, and extra warm clothing also helps if something unexpected comes up.
Winter weather is a major hazard to driver safety during the holidays in Canada. According to a recent study from Samsara, about 37% of vehicle accidents occur during the winter season, easily surpassing all other seasons. Conditions can shift from clear roads to blowing snow, freezing rain, black ice, or whiteouts in minutes.
Across regions, risks differ:
B.C. mountain passes often require winter tires or chains and can close suddenly during storms.
Ontario and Quebec frequently experience snow squalls and freezing rain.
Atlantic Canada sees powerful coastal storms as was the case on Christmas Eve 2024, when snowfall totals reached 20–25 cm in parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Slowing down, increasing following distance, and checking road conditions help keep you safe. If a storm is approaching, delaying your trip may be the smartest choice.
The December–January driving season poses unique risks, from Boxing Day congestion and bottlenecks to fast-moving storms and icy roads. With a bit of planning and a few small habits, you can make your holiday travel much safer and far less stressful.
Want to strengthen your fleet’s safety program year-round? Talk to our team about how telematics insights and safety tools can help reduce risk.