The holiday season is one of the busiest—and most dangerous—times of the year for road travel. With millions of families on the move, combined with heavy traffic, early winter weather, and a surge in commercial trucking activity, the risk of serious crashes increases sharply. In Kansas City and across Missouri, holiday travel consistently leads to higher rates of auto and trucking accidents.
At Presley & Presley Trial Lawyers, we know how quickly one moment on the road can change a family’s life. As you prepare for holiday travel, a few preventative steps can help protect you and the people you love.
Why Holiday Travel Sees a Spike in Serious Crashes
Heavier-than-usual traffic volume
Congested highways, stop-and-go conditions, and longer travel distances increase the likelihood of multi-vehicle collisions and high-impact crashes. Major Missouri routes like I-70 and I-35 often see significant slowdowns during holiday weeks.
More commercial trucks on the road
Holiday deliveries surge, placing more 18-wheelers and delivery vehicles on the road. Tight deadlines, driver fatigue, and winter road conditions create added hazards for passenger vehicles. Collisions involving large trucks are especially likely to cause catastrophic injuries.
Distracted driving
Phone use, navigation apps, texting, and holiday multitasking reduce reaction time. Distracted driving remains one of the top preventable causes of crashes nationwide.
Impaired driving
Holiday gatherings lead to a measurable increase in alcohol-related crashes every year. Impaired driving continues to be one of the most dangerous risks during winter travel.
Early winter weather conditions
Rain, sleet, sudden temperature drops, black ice, and early sunsets reduce visibility and make roads far more dangerous. Even light precipitation on cold pavement can cause skidding or loss of control.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family on the Road
1. Plan your route in advance
Avoid peak travel windows when possible and use navigation tools for real-time alerts on traffic, accidents, and weather patterns.
2. Give commercial trucks plenty of space
Large trucks require longer stopping distances and have significant blind spots. If you can’t see a truck driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you. For more safety information—or if you’ve been injured by a commercial truck—visit our
Truck Accident Lawyer: https://presleyandpresley.com/personal-injury/truck-accident-lawyer/
3. Slow down in winter weather
Even a small speed reduction dramatically improves traction and stopping ability on icy or wet roads.
4. Avoid distracted driving
Turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving,” set navigation before starting your trip, and let passengers assist with communication when possible.
5. Never drive tired
Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time as severely as alcohol. Take breaks, switch drivers, and avoid starting long trips late at night.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Accident Over the Holidays
1. Seek medical attention immediately
Some serious injuries aren’t obvious right away, especially soft-tissue, internal, or head injuries.
2. Document the scene
Photos, videos, weather conditions, skid marks, vehicle positions, and witness information may be vital later.
3. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
Insurers often try to settle quickly and for far less than the true value of a serious injury claim. Learn more about protecting your rights here:
Car Accident Lawyer: https://presleyandpresley.com/personal-injury/car-accident-lawyer/
4. Contact an experienced catastrophic injury law firm
Cases involving commercial trucks, serious injuries, or wrongful death require fast action and skilled representation. For families facing the unthinkable, additional resources are available here:
Wrongful Death Lawyer: https://presleyandpresley.com/personal-injury/wrongful-death-lawyer/
Presley & Presley Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help
If you or someone you love is injured in a serious auto or trucking accident this holiday season, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our Kansas City trial lawyers have decades of experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases nationwide, holding negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable.
Contact Presley & Presley Trial Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your future.