Holiday Travel Safety

Holiday Travel Safety: What First Responders Want You to Know This Thanksgiving & Christmas Season

The holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Millions of families hit the road to visit loved ones, attend festive events, or enjoy a winter getaway. While most of us look forward to cozy gatherings and celebrations, first responders are preparing for something very different: the annual spike in emergencies.

From Thanksgiving through Christmas, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers work long hours to keep our communities safe. Understanding how to travel safely not only protects you and your family—it also supports the responders working tirelessly through the holidays.

Below are key travel-safety reminders inspired by the experiences of our first responders during these busy seasons.

1. Plan Ahead—And Give Yourself Extra Time

Holiday roads are congested, especially on:

  • The day before Thanksgiving

  • Thanksgiving morning

  • The weekend before Christmas

  • December 23rd–26th

Rushing increases the risk of accidents—and accidents increase the strain on first responders already handling high call volumes.

Pro tip:
Leave early, plan alternate routes, and anticipate delays. Your schedule shouldn’t depend on perfect traffic.

2. Stay Alert and Avoid Distracted Driving

Responders often cite distracted driving as one of the leading causes of holiday accidents.
Common distractions include:

  • Texting or checking holiday messages

  • Using GPS while driving

  • Managing kids, baggage, or pets

  • Eating in the car

A few seconds of inattention can change lives forever.

Remember:
If it's not safe to do with your eyes closed, don’t do it while driving.

3. Never Drink and Drive—Even “Just a Little”

Holiday gatherings often involve alcohol. Police departments routinely see higher DUI incidents during the holidays—incidents that are entirely preventable.

If you plan to drink:

  • Assign a sober driver

  • Use a ride-share service

  • Stay overnight instead of driving home

A $20 ride is cheaper than a tragedy.

4. Move Over for Emergency Vehicles

When sirens and lights appear:

  1. Pull over safely.

  2. Give responders space.

  3. Avoid slowing down just to watch—this causes secondary accidents.

Responders are on their way to someone’s worst moment. Your cooperation helps them get there safely and quickly.

5. Pack an Emergency Kit for Winter Road Travel

First responders recommend keeping a simple safety kit:

  • Flashlight & batteries

  • Blanket

  • Water & snacks

  • Phone charger

  • First-aid kit

  • Ice scraper

  • Jumper cables

  • Reflective triangle

If weather or traffic causes delays, you’ll be glad you prepared.

6. Be Weather-Aware—Conditions Can Change Fast

Snow, ice, rainfall, and fog contribute to many winter collisions.

Before you travel:

  • Check local weather updates

  • Check state DOT traffic maps

  • Avoid unnecessary trips during storms

Responders are out in dangerous weather regardless—your choice to stay off the road helps them stay safer while they serve.

7. Respect First Responders Working Through the Holidays

Many first responders spend Thanksgiving and Christmas on duty, away from their own families. Small acts of respect help them serve more safely and effectively.

You can:

  • Follow traffic laws

  • Avoid aggressive or impatient driving

  • Give space at incident scenes

  • Show kindness when interacting with responders

These moments go a long way.

8. Support Local Departments Through Donations or Community Efforts

Many communities organize holiday donation drives to support first responders and families in need.
If your city participates—such as the Hammond Police Department initiative—consider donating, sponsoring a family, or contributing to programs that help responders connect with the community.

Even small actions make a difference.

Final Thoughts

The holidays should be a time of warmth, connection, and gratitude. By traveling safely, following basic precautions, and respecting the responders working around the clock, we can help make this season safer for everyone.

Whether you're heading across town or across the country, safe choices protect not only your loved ones—but also the first responders who protect all of us.

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