During the holiday season, cities swell with shoppers, tourists, and eventgoers, creating some of the most challenging driving conditions of the year. By recognizing the unique hazards of city driving during the holidays and applying defensive strategies, commercial drivers can keep themselves—and everyone sharing the road—safe all season long.
HOLIDAY CONGESTION
City driving during the holidays often means gridlock. Millions of extra vehicles flood urban roads, creating traffic jams that are more than just frustrating—they raise the risk of collisions. Defensive driving is essential:
Maintain extra following distance to allow for sudden stops. Increase that buffer when roads are slick or visibility is compromised by darkness, weather, or dazzling holiday lights.
Keep your eyes moving. Look as far ahead as possible and check mirrors frequently to help spot potential hazards.
Signal early and clearly. In slow-moving city traffic, early signals give other road users time to react.
Remain alert for aggressive or distracted drivers. Holiday traffic often includes out-of-town visitors who are unfamiliar with the area. Anticipate their risky behavior and be prepared to respond calmly and safely.
INTERSECTIONS
Intersections are hotspots for holiday city driving hazards. The mix of turning vehicles, crossing traffic, pedestrians, and micromobility users creates constant potential for conflict. Staying safe in these complex environments requires disciplined driving habits and constant awareness:
Scan in all directions as you approach intersections. Pay special attention to left-turning vehicles and never assume others will yield.
Keep a safe buffer. Maintain enough space to avoid a rear-end collision if traffic ahead stops suddenly.
Ease off the accelerator and hover over the brake. This precaution allows you to respond more quickly should you need to apply the brakes.
Maintain your lane position as you proceed through the intersection. Even small deviations can create dangerous interactions with nearby road users.
Avoid “blocking the box.” Do not enter an intersection if traffic ahead prevents you from exiting immediately. Blocking the intersection creates bottlenecks, frustrates other drivers, and increases the likelihood of accidents.
TURNING
Turning maneuvers during holiday city driving can be tricky for commercial vehicles. Tight corners, unexpected obstacles, and unpredictable pedestrian and micromobility activity call for sharpened focus:
Identify upcoming turns well in advance. Doing so gives you more time to position your vehicle safely, gradually decelerate, and signal to other road users.
Be mindful of parked vehicles, trees, poles, and other stationary objects that can limit your turning space. If you can’t turn safely, choose an alternate route.
Watch out for temporary detours or road closures. Holiday events may alter certain routes.
Observe “right on red” rules. When permitted, come to a complete stop behind the line or crosswalk, scan for cross traffic, and double-check for pedestrians, and micromobility users in your blind spots before turning.
Stay calm. Holiday city driving tests everyone’s patience but rushing turns only increases risk.
PEDESTRIAN AND MICROMOBILITY USERS
With more people out enjoying the merriment of the season, vigilant city driving becomes more important than ever:
Slow down and be ready to stop. Holiday crowds can be distracted by phones, decorations, or events, and pedestrians may jaywalk, disregard signals, or step out suddenly from between parked cars. Remain vigilant, being especially mindful of children.
Pay attention to drivers and passengers opening doors from parked vehicles. Allow extra clearance to avoid sudden surprises.
Keep an eye out for bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters, which can be difficult to see and may move erratically. Take it slower and keep a generous distance, especially at night or in adverse conditions.
WINTER WEATHER
Snow, slush, and freezing rain can transform streets into slippery hazards in seconds. Holiday city driving requires extra caution in inclement weather:
Use low beams, even in daylight. Headlights help you see and ensure others can see you.
Reduce your speed and leave more space ahead, even on treated roads. The slower pace and added distance give you more time, control, and visibility to respond safely to unexpected hazards.
Make all moves gradually. Smooth and gentle acceleration, braking, turning, and lane changes reduce the risk of losing control.
MORE TIPS FOR HOLIDAY CITY DRIVING
When it comes to holiday city driving, plan your route carefully and allow extra time for delays. Check for seasonal events that may disrupt traffic and make note of weight limits, low-clearance bridges, idling regulations, and parking restrictions. Whenever possible, schedule city driving during off-peak hours to minimize risks and stress.
City driving during the holidays can be challenging, but by staying aware of potential hazards and committing to defensive driving strategies, you can navigate the season safely and confidently, keeping the season bright for everyone.
