December 17, 2025
The holidays in Tempe might mean more cars on the road, busier streets, and more drivers in a hurry, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or dangerous. With the right approach, you can navigate holiday traffic safely, stay focused, and get to your destination without incident.
From Christmas driving tips to vehicle prep and smart route planning, these eight practical tips will help you drive confidently and avoid common driving accidents this season.
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: How safe are the Arizona roads, specifically Tempe, during the holidays?
Arizona Road Safety Statistics During Winter Holidays
Source: ARIZONA MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH FACTS 2024, The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
Winter holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s,bring more than festive cheer to Arizona roads. They also bring more cars, more late‑night driving, and a higher risk of trouble when bad decisions mix with heavy traffic.
Here’s a run-down of holiday safety statistics that every Tempe driver should know heading into the holiday season.
Fatal Crashes During Winter Holidays (2020-2024)
| Fatal Crashes by Year | New Year’s Day | Memorial Day | July 4th | Labor Day | Thanksgiving | Christmas Day | Total |
| 2020 | 2 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 10 | 54 |
| 2021 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 68 |
| 2022 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 73 |
| 2023 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 72 |
| 2024 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 60 |
Winter Holidays Fatality Count (2020-2024)
| Fatality by Year | New Year’s Day | Memorial Day | July 4th | Labor Day | Thanksgiving | Christmas Day | Total |
| 2020 | 2 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 58 |
| 2021 | 10 | 14 | 8 | 14 | 18 | 12 | 76 |
| 2022 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 76 |
| 2023 | 15 | 15 | 8 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 80 |
| 2024 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 66 |
What’s the Bigger Picturem… Is Holiday Driving Riskier?
While holiday driving is riskier in terms of volume and behaviors, the risk per mile driven may actually be lower in some winter holiday windows. That’s because holiday driver behavior tends to be more predictable: people travel on set days, stick to well-known routes, and drive with purpose.
Still, that doesn’t make the risk negligible.
According to the 2023 and 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts reports, the biggest ongoing culprits remain speed, impairment, and reckless driver behavior. In 2024, nearly 28% of all fatal crashes were drunk driving accidents.
Tempe, specifically, logged 6,637 crashes in 2024, the third-highest total among Arizona cities, behind only Phoenix (37,472) and Mesa (8,022). That’s roughly 18 crashes per day, on average.
Now that we have a better idea of the risks, let’s talk about the ways we can stay safe this holiday season.
Tip #1. Know the Holiday Traffic Hotspots in Tempe
Tempe streets get jammed during the holidays. Areas like Mill Avenue, ASU campus, Rio Salado Parkway, and busy stretches of Loop 101 see higher accident rates in December. Local news reports often show clusters of Christmas car accidents near shopping districts and major intersections.
When planning your outings, keep these hotspots in mind. Knowing where congestion builds allows you to anticipate slowdowns and avoid risky lane changes or last-minute merges.
Tip #2. Plan Your Routes to Avoid Congestion
Use ADOT holiday traffic reports or GPS apps like Waze to track congestion and road closures. Consider leaving earlier or later than typical peak times.
Tempe commuters, especially those driving near downtown or ASU, should map alternative routes around major traffic arteries.
Tip #3. Don’t Let Distractions Cause Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents spike during the holiday season. Phones, GPS devices, kids in the backseat, and holiday shopping bags all compete for attention. If you’re tempted to check notifications while cruising along University Drive or Tempe Town Lake, resist.
Secure loose cargo, keep passengers calm, and set your playlist before you start moving. Every second you take your eyes off the road increases the risk of a driving accident. Your best weapon is focus.
Tip #4. Watch for Drunk Driving Accidents During Holiday Parties
Tempe’s nightlife near Mill Avenue and bar districts can be hazardous after dark.
Plan ahead. Designate a driver, use rideshare services, or take public transportation. If you see impaired drivers, give them space, and if you’re ever involved in a serious crash, consulting with vehicle accident attorneys can help you understand your legal options. Reducing your exposure to drunk drivers dramatically lowers your chance of being in a holiday crash.
Tip #5. Adjust Speed and Driving for Tempe Conditions
Residential streets, school zones, and downtown areas in Tempe naturally require slower driving during the holidays.
Keep an eye on traffic signals, crosswalks, and pedestrian areas. Even experienced drivers underestimate how slippery roads or glare from early sunsets can affect stopping distance. Your speed should always match conditions, not just the posted limit.
Tip #6. Check Your Vehicle Before Hitting the Road
Brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels are critical during holiday travel. Arizona’s dry climate can be tough on tires, and sudden winter storms can expose worn brakes.
Stock your car with an emergency kit: jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and a blanket. You can even use a brochure maker to create a simple emergency checklist or safety guide to keep in your vehicle. A well-prepared vehicle is your first line of defense against a driving accident, especially if you get stuck in heavy traffic or encounter a minor collision.
Tip #7. Use Defensive Driving to Avoid Aggressive Drivers
The holidays bring out aggressive behavior. Tailgaters, lane-hoppers, and road-ragers increase your odds of a Christmas car accident.
Defensive driving is about anticipating problems before they happen. Maintain safe following distances, watch mirrors constantly, and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. If someone is cutting in, let them go. Staying calm, patient, and aware is your ticket to arriving safely.
Tip #8. Leverage Technology to Prevent Driving Accidents
Modern vehicles come with tools designed to save lives. Blind-spot monitors, lane-assist technology, and collision-warning systems can give you an edge during the hectic holiday season.
Combine these with traffic apps and local ADOT alerts for real-time updates on accidents or road closures. Even small adjustments, like rerouting around a backed-up intersection, can prevent a serious driving accident.
Technology won’t replace attention, but it’s a powerful ally!
Drive Smart, Stay Safe on Arizona Roads With Scottsdale Collision
Holiday traffic in Tempe doesn’t have to mean holiday disaster. By knowing hotspots, planning your routes, avoiding distractions, preparing your car, and leveraging technology, you can dramatically reduce your risk of driving accidents.
Drive smart this holiday season, and if the unexpected happens, trust us to handle the rest. See our collision repair services here.
