There are several key reasons why truck crashes tend to increase during the holiday months of November and December. Understanding these causes can help drivers be aware and drive more cautiously.
More Trucks on the Road
One of the biggest factors leading to more truck accidents over the holidays is simply a significant increase in the number of trucks on the road. During the last few months of the year, there is a big push to get merchandise delivered to stores in time for holiday shopping and festivities. More delivery trucks are out making runs to restock retail stores and distribution centers. With higher volumes of truck traffic, accidents become more likely to occur.
Delivery Deadlines & Rush Driving
In order to meet retailer deadlines for holiday merchandising, truck drivers often have to rush delivery schedules and may drive over hours of service regulations. This hurried driving mentality leads some truckers to speed, overload their trucks, skip rest breaks, and drive while fatigued. All of these dangerous trucking practices greatly raise the risks for accidents.
Driver Fatigue & Lack of Sleep
Fatigued truck driving is a major cause of large truck crashes year-round, and the problem gets amplified over the holidays. Truck drivers face tight delivery windows during the holiday season. In attempts to meet deadlines, some truckers sacrifice sleep and drive extended hours without adequate rest. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment, making drivers much more accident-prone.
Poor Weather Conditions
November and December often bring wintry weather conditions like snow, sleet, ice, fog, and heavy rain. Truck braking distances are doubled on wet roads and multiplied by 10 times or more on icy or snowy roads. Slippery conditions and decreased visibility lead to more truck crashes occurring during the holidays.
Holiday Congestion on the Roads
With so many regular drivers out holiday shopping and traveling to visit family, highways become far more congested. Stop-and-go traffic and heavy congestion significantly increase the potential for chain-reaction crashes. Truck drivers have an especially difficult time navigating congested routes and staying alert in slowed traffic. Accident risks get escalated by all the additional passenger vehicles on the road.
Truck Drivers Under Pressure
During the holidays, truck drivers are under intense pressure to make timely deliveries, which causes stress and distraction. Many drivers sacrifice home time around the holidays in order to log extra hours delivering critical loads. Missing holidays with family can cause despair and reduce driver attentiveness on the road. Financial pressures also mount around the holidays, distracting some drivers.
Drunk Driving Rates Increase
Impaired driving rates surge around Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are more drunk drivers on the roads, increasing risks for everyone. These intoxicated motorists are especially hazardous for truck drivers navigating huge, heavy trucks. Even a minor driving error by an impaired driver can cause a catastrophic truck accident.
By understanding these key factors that contribute towards more truck crashes happening around holidays, drivers can take precautions and help reduce accident risks on the roads. Being alert, avoiding distractions, and driving defensively are crucial for everyone sharing the roads with big trucks during holiday seasons.
Have you been hit by an Amazon delivery driver or struck by a semi-truck? Get in touch for advice today. Visit our offices at the following locations.
- Westerville – 4151 Executive Pkwy, Suite 355, Westerville, OH 43081
- Mansfield – 33 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906
Call now for a free consultation on (866) 753-0919.
