The holidays should be a time for family and celebration. Unfortunately, for many Tennessee families, they also bring some of the most dangerous days of the year on the road.
Crashes consistently spike around Christmas, New Year’s, and major winter travel weekends. These aren’t just minor fender benders; the combination of speed, alcohol, and congestion often leads to severe wrecks that leave victims facing long recoveries and aggressive insurance adjusters.
Here is what the latest data says about holiday driving risks in Tennessee, and the specific steps you must take to protect your health and your injury claim.
As Seen on News 2: Tennessee Ranks Among Worst States for Drunk Driving
A recent report highlights a disturbing trend for Tennessee drivers. According to News 2 ABC, data from Forbes Advisor now ranks Tennessee as the 12th most dangerous state in the nation for drunk driving—a risk that skyrockets during the holiday season.
Video: WKRN News 2 reports on Tennessee’s ranking as the 12th worst state for drunk driving.
By the Numbers: Why the Holidays Are Hazardous
You don’t need to guess if the roads are dangerous—the data proves it. Reports from state and national agencies reveal a sobering trend during the year-end holidays:
- The “Alcohol Spike”: While drunk driving is a year-round issue, it surges in December. NHTSA data shows that during the Christmas and New Year’s period, nearly 30% of fatal crashes involve drunk drivers (significantly higher than the annual average).
- Tennessee’s Ranking: As noted in the video above, a recent Forbes Advisor report ranks Tennessee as the 12th worst state for drunk driving, citing a high rate of fatalities per 100,000 residents.
- Tennessee’s Toll: Tennessee consistently ranks among the states with higher rates of traffic fatalities. The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TITAN) has dashboards with statewide fatality counts, serious-injury crashes, and other key data.
Why Do Serious Crashes Increase in December?
The holidays create a “perfect storm” of risk factors on Tennessee roads:
1. The “Celebration” Factor (Impaired Driving)
Tennessee law enforcement agencies run “Booze It and Lose It” campaigns annually for a reason. Holiday parties lead to more drivers getting behind the wheel with alcohol in their systems.
- The Risk: Impairment isn’t just about being drunk. Even “buzzed” driving or mixing alcohol with prescription medications slows reaction times, making it impossible to react to sudden stops on I-40 or I-24.
2. Fatigue and “Get-There-Itis”
Drivers are often traveling longer distances, sleeping less, and feeling rushed to arrive at family gatherings on time. Drowsy driving can be just as fatal as drunk driving, leading to lane drifting and head-on collisions, especially on rural two-lane roads.
3. The Winter Visibility Trap
Shorter days mean more driving in the dark. Combined with Tennessee’s unpredictable winter weather—cold rain, fog, and black ice—visibility drops significantly.
- Note: Bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the roadway. A patch of ice that would be manageable in daylight becomes a deadly hazard at night.
The “Holiday Gap”: How Timing Affects Your Injury Claim
If you are injured during the holidays, you face unique challenges that insurance companies are trained to exploit.
Evidence Disappears Faster
During the holidays, businesses close, and witnesses leave town. If you need surveillance footage from a nearby store to prove the other driver ran a red light, that footage might be overwritten by the time the manager returns from vacation. Immediate investigation is critical.
The “Delay of Treatment” Defense
Many victims try to “tough it out” because they don’t want to miss Christmas morning or spend New Year’s Eve in an ER.
- The Trap: If you wait three days to see a doctor, the insurance adjuster will argue your injuries “must not be that bad” or that you were hurt by something else entirely. Gaps in treatment devalue your claim.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance adjusters know that people are financially stressed during the holidays. They may call you immediately after the crash with a quick, low cash offer, hoping you will sign a release before you realize you need surgery or long-term therapy. Once you sign that release, you cannot go back for more.
6 Steps to Protect Yourself After a Holiday Wreck
If the worst happens, having a plan can save your case.
- Call 911 Immediately: Never let the other driver talk you into “settling this between us” without a police report, especially if alcohol might be involved.
- Seek Medical Attention: Go to the ER or urgent care immediately. Documenting your injuries connects them directly to the crash.
- Photograph the Scene: If safe, take pictures of vehicle positions, skid marks, and weather conditions (wet roads, fog, lack of lighting).
- Don’t Post on Social Media: Insurance adjusters watch social media. A photo of you smiling at a holiday dinner can be used to argue you aren’t in pain.
- Watch What You Say: Report the wreck to your insurer, but do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice.
- Consult an Attorney Early: Because evidence is harder to gather during the holidays, getting a legal team involved early ensures that witness statements and video footage are secured before they are lost.
We Are Here to Help This Holiday Season
You shouldn’t have to spend your holidays fighting with insurance adjusters. If you or a loved one were injured in a holiday crash in Tennessee, you need a team that understands how to protect your rights.
Our team at Stillman & Friedland is available to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Don’t let a holiday crash ruin your financial future.
Call us today at 615-244-2111 or reach out through our online contact form.
Stillman & Friedland
