Safe Holiday Driving

Stay safe on the roads by taking action to protect yourself and loved ones.

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for people aged 1‒54, and about 40,000 people were killed in crashes in 2017. However, many of these deaths can be prevented. Buckle up, drive sober, and stay safe on the roads this holiday season.

Road Safety for Everyone

Here are some tips to help keep you and others safe on the road over the holidays:

• Buckle up in every seat, on every trip, no matter how short.
• Make sure children are always properly buckled in the back seat in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt, whichever is appropriate for their weight, height, and age.
• Choose not to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and help others do the same.
• Obey speed limits.
• Drive without distractions (such as using a cell phone or texting).

Child Passenger Safety

Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children, but you can make a difference.

Protect yourself and little ones during this holiday season.

• Learn the new child passenger safety recommendations. Know the stages.
• Buckle children in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts—these reduce the risk for injury in a car crash by up to 80 percent .
• Children are safest when car seats and booster seats are used correctly. Buckle children in the right way in the right seat and learn how to avoid the most common mistakes.
• Remember that children aged 12 and under should be properly buckled in the back seat.
• Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt yourself.

Teen Driver Safety

If you have a teenage driver in your family, take advantage of resources that identify ways to help your teen stay safe on the road.

• Understand the leading causes of teen crashes and injuries, from nighttime driving to not using seat belts.
• Consider using tools like parent-teen driving agreements.
• Know your state’s laws: all states have graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems, which help ensure teens can build driving skills under lower-risk conditions.
• Get in some supervised driving time with your teen over the holidays.
• Buckle up in every seat, on every trip, no matter how short.

Older Adult Driver Safety

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review medicines—both prescription and over-the-counter—to reduce side effects and interactions.
• Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Wear glasses and corrective lenses as required.
• Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend, using public transit, or using a rideshare service to get around.