Holiday Break Road Trips: Safety Tips for Gainesville Students Heading Home  

Bill Allen | August 2, 2025 | Car Accidents

Holiday Break Road Trips: Safety Tips for Gainesville Students Heading Home

Are you preparing to head home from college during an upcoming holiday break? Getting ready to drive back to campus as fall classes resume? Either way, it’s important to plan ahead and be attentive before taking your road trip. A little proactivity can help reduce your risk of a car accident as you head toward your destination. 

Here’s a quick look at some tips to help you stay safe on the road during holiday breaks. 

Watch for Fatigue and Distractions

Long road trips can be mentally and physically exhausting. If you’ve got a long drive ahead of you, it may be tempting to travel through the night. However, drowsy driving is a serious risk, particularly if you are running on too little sleep. While a cup of coffee or an energy drink may be able to perk you up temporarily, you shouldn’t try to power through once fatigue sets in. 

Even if you are staying attentive and alert, you’ve also got to be wary of distracted drivers who may cross your path. Watch out for signs that someone nearby is distracted, such as swerving, texting, or erratic behavior. Slow down and create some space between your vehicle and theirs. 

Be Extra Cautious on Busy Highways

Major highways are packed with commercial vehicles, frantic commuters, and other students heading home. Highways like I-75 and U.S. Route 441 experience heavy traffic during the holidays. Gainesville is a hub for north-south travel, increasing the risk of crashes. Hazards like tailgating, speeding, and unsafe lane changes are common on congested roads. 

To reduce your risk, make sure to:

  • Maintain a safe following distance
  • Use signals when changing lanes
  • Drive at a consistent speed and avoid aggressive maneuvers
  • Watch for sudden stops and merging vehicles 

If you are uncomfortable or need a break, pull over at a rest stop or grab a bite to eat. There’s nothing wrong with letting the congestion clear out. 

Avoid Traveling on Holidays if Possible

The 100 deadly days of summer are among the riskiest times for students. Holidays like New Year’s Eve and Day, St Patrick’s Day, and Thanksgiving are also extremely dangerous. For instance, crash fatalities in Florida spike by 28% on New Year’s Eve/Day compared to regular days. 

If your classes are dismissed a few days before the holiday and you are trying to make it home, do what you can to leave early. That way, you can avoid the day-of and day-before rushes associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. 

Know What to Do After an Accident

You need to know what to do if you are involved in a crash. 

Here are some basic steps to consider:

  • Move to a safe location, if possible.
  • Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911.
  • Exchange contact information with other drivers.
  • If it is safe to do so, take photographs.

Remember, your medical needs take priority. Get evaluated by a medical professional, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries, especially those to your head or internal organs, may not be obvious right away. 

Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258