7 Driving Tips to Stay Safe on Christmas Day

When the festive season swiftly approaches, families are finalising plans for their Christmas get-togethers, holiday travel and other Christmas season celebrations. While it’s a lovely time of year for celebrating, it’s also a dangerous one.  

Many Australians will be hitting the roads to visit loved ones they haven’t seen in months or take a long-awaited holiday. And more Aussies on the roads means more Aussies in road accidents.  

To ensure safety for you and those travelling with you, it’s important to know the best ways to stay safe. Here we explain our top driving tips to stay safe on Christmas Day and throughout the festive season. 

Driving on Christmas Day

Between the years of 2017 and 2020, the number of road fatalities during the Christmas holiday period has been decreasing, according to the Department of Transport.

However, the last five years have shown a steady increase, with the road deaths during December of 2023 peaking at 123. This is mirrored by deaths across the board. Figures from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics showed a 24.7% increase on the five-year monthly average.  

Reports show that most of these accidents come down to one thing – speeding. But other factors that contributed to the death toll are complacency and everyday mistakes. 

So, what can you do to play your part in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe on the roads? Let’s take a look below. 

7 Driving tips to stay safe during the Christmas season 

We all know that speeding, distractions, fatigue and alcohol are common causes for car accidents. But when travelling during the Christmas season, you also need to consider the increased risk of driving through unfamiliar areas. Here are our top driving tips to help keep you and your family safe this Christmas. 

We all know that speeding, distractions, fatigue and alcohol are common causes for car accidents. But when travelling during the Christmas season, you also need to consider the increased risk of driving through unfamiliar areas. Here are our top driving tips to help keep you and your family safe this Christmas. 

1. Map out your trip and rest breaks 

Whenever you’re doing a long-distance drive, it’s a good idea to aim to take breaks every two hours. You can also take turns driving. Rests and breaks will ensure you can remain alert and refreshed throughout your entire journey. 

If you’re driving an unfamiliar route, be sure to plan your journey ahead of time.  

Take note of amenities like restaurants, bathrooms and parks so you can plan your rest and refreshment stops. Ensure your family’s safety as the driver by not being able to take a break when you need one. 

Remember that driving through regional areas may impact your mobile network coverage. So think ahead in terms of your route, fuel, roadworthiness of your vehicle, refreshment requirements and rest stops. 

2. Be realistic about your travel time deadline 

One of our best driving tips is to be realistic about your travel time. Driving during the Christmas season means there are likely to be more vehicles on the road to attend Christmas celebrations, begin holidays or finish their shopping. This will generally lead to traffic congestion, longer journey times and unfortunately an increase in road rage. 

Research shows that speed is the number one killer on Australian roads. Make sure you account for the extra seasonal delays by allowing extra travel time which will help to minimise stress, keep you on schedule without speeding and keep you safer on the road. 

3. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy, registered and in good working order 

If your car is due for a visit to the mechanic, have it serviced before taking any long journeys. A breakdown could see you miss Christmas celebrations, or worse — cause a car accident. 

If you have vehicle difficulties while on the road (e.g., a flat tyre), turn on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location off the road.  

Before exiting the vehicle and taking any action, ensure you can move around outside the car safely. You certainly don’t want to become a pedestrian victim either.  

4. Secure all luggage safely 

If you have luggage or camping equipment strapped to your car, ensure it is secured safely before you embark on your journey. The same applies if you’re carrying a heavy load in your car or on the back of your ute. Packing the weight evenly will prevent uneven weight distribution from affecting your car or trailer’s handling. 

If you’re towing a trailer, check that your car is capable of safely towing the trailer’s weight and that it’s hitched properly. 

A trailer or loose item can cause a serious accident if it disconnects or falls off your vehicle. The driver responsible could face criminal charges, as well as having to pay compensation for any damages or injuries caused. If the driver was carrying a load that exceeds their vehicle’s maximum tow or downball weight, their insurance may be voided. 

5. Drive to the conditions 

Just because there is an assigned speed limit, doesn’t mean that driving that speed is always safe. Particularly in heavier holiday traffic, make sure you: 

• Read the road conditions, adjust your speed and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front as necessary. 

• Drive to the weather conditions – especially if there has been heavy rain and flooding as is common during the summer storm season. 

If you’re driving on country roads use extra caution, especially when overtaking other vehicles. Higher speed limits on rural roads combined with hazards like wildlife, potholes or farming vehicles increase the risk of accidents, so ensure you’re alert and prepared. 

6. Don't drink and drive 

Beer, wine and cocktails are usually flowing over the Christmas period, but make sure you’re not driving if you plan on drinking. Drink driving causes approximately 30% of fatal crashes in Australia. And around 1 in 4 Australian drivers killed on the road have a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit.  

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself at the holidays. But if you’re going to drink, it’s best to plan ahead so you don’t find yourself behind the wheel. Consider: 

• How alcohol affects you and how much is safe for you to drink (especially at your work Christmas party!). 

• Staying the night at your family or friend’s place. 

• Using public transport, rideshare services or taxis. 

• Planning your ride home with a designated driver in the group. 

7. Be aware of distractions from kids 

Of course, Christmas is a great time to be with family. But kids and driving don’t always mix well. In fact, Monash University researchers found that children are 12 times more distracting to a driver than talking on a mobile phone. They also found that the average parent will take their eyes off the road for three minutes and 22 seconds during a short 16-minute drive.  

To ensure their safety as the driver, be sure that all kids are properly restrained at all times. And it’s a good idea to make sure they’re entertained with books or games throughout the drive. Finally, our top driving tip when it comes to kids is that if they need anything – a snack, a game – pull over to help them out. It might seem like overkill, but it could save everyone’s lives.  

Involved in a Christmas car accident? Shine Lawyers can help 

If you’ve been in a road accident over the summer holidays, our expert motor vehicle accident lawyers can help you make a compensation claim. A legal claim could help you access specialist medical treatment, as well as compensate you for lost earnings. You may also be eligible for benefits through your superannuation — our lawyers will provide tailored advice on a No Win, No Fee* basis to help you access all of your entitlements. 

Get in touch today for an obligation-free consultation to discuss your legal options or use our free online booking tool to find out if you’re eligible. 

*Conditions apply