The holidays are a time of celebration for families and friends. However, along with the festivities, the holiday season brings something else: increased risk on the road.
For transportation and logistics companies in particular, the holiday season brings unique challenges. Along with tighter deadlines and extended hours for drivers, there’s heavier traffic and worsening weather conditions. During the winter, field service businesses, such as HVAC, plumbing, and snow removal services, face increased demand. Coupled with unsafe road conditions, the added pressure can increase the chance of accidents, especially with a rise in speeding and crashes around the holidays.
Why holiday roads are more dangerous
Collisions and unsafe weather conditions peak during the holiday season. According to Motive’s 2023 Holiday Outlook Report, there’s a notable 10% increase in speeding incidents leading up to Christmas, resulting in a sharp 32% rise in crashes on Christmas Day, compared to the rest of December.
Poor weather conditions are a major contributor. In fact, 65.5% of Christmas Day crashes occur on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Severe weather overall heightens risk for commercial drivers and others on the road.
The surge in speeding just before Christmas likely stems from increased shipping activity as companies strive to meet on-time delivery expectations.
Motive data also shows that nearly half (47%) of all collisions occur after dark, even though more vehicles are on the road during the day. Hours-of-service violations peak during the holidays as well, as drivers push themselves to meet demand. After the holiday rush, these violations tend to drop, reflecting the season’s intensity.
This year’s holiday season is proving to be even more difficult than usual due to an active hurricane season, which has devastated communities and supply chains, especially in the Southeast. Hurricanes like Helene and Milton have caused widespread destruction, leaving damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and massive clean-up efforts in their wake. The damage caused by the hurricanes has led to rerouted shipments, delayed deliveries, and skyrocketing operational costs, further complicating safety and logistics.
Staying safe amid holiday and weather challenges
To navigate seasonal challenges, fleets should take a proactive approach to safety through AI-powered technologies. Real-time visibility and data feedback are crucial to remaining agile during severe weather events. An Integrated Operations Platform like the one from Motive can ensure safety and continuity, allowing fleets to quickly respond to disruption and keep drivers safe in the face of natural disasters.
Our take
For fleet-based businesses, the 2024 holiday season presents a particularly tough challenge. With higher crash risk and hurricane impacts, investing in proactive safety measures is crucial. Tools like AI-powered dash cams, 360° cameras, and real-time tracking can make a difference. Motive’s driver safety solutions will help fleets protect their drivers, secure shipments, and maintain operational efficiency during the critical holiday period. By implementing Motive’s advanced tools, businesses can respond swiftly to unexpected conditions, minimize disruptions, and create safer journeys for their drivers.
