Holiday Travel Injuries: Staying Safe on Oklahoma Roads This Christmas

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and family gatherings — but they also bring a surge in road travel and, unfortunately, a spike in car accidents across Oklahoma. Between distracted driving, winter weather, and holiday rush-hour traffic, the risk of vehicle collisions increases significantly during Christmas and New Year’s.

At Tulsa Accident Care Center, we want your holidays to be merry, not painful. Here’s how you can stay safe on the road this season — and what to do if an accident happens.

Why Holiday Road Accidents Are So Common

During the Christmas season, the combination of long-distance travel, fatigue, alcohol consumption, and unpredictable weather leads to more crashes than any other time of year. According to national data, accident rates spike by over 25% during December, particularly in the days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Common causes include:

Distracted or drowsy driving after late-night celebrations
Increased traffic on I-44, I-35, and local highways across Oklahoma
Reduced visibility due to shorter daylight hours
Slick or icy roads during winter storms

If you’re traveling across the state to visit family or heading home from a party, stay alert and plan ahead to reduce your risk.

5 Tips to Stay Safe While Traveling This Holiday Season

Here are a few key ways to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road:

1. Plan ahead and rest well.

Avoid driving late at night or after alcohol consumption.

2. Inspect your vehicle.

Check tires, brakes, and windshield wipers before hitting the road.

3. Slow down in poor weather.

Oklahoma’s winter rain and ice can make roads slippery.

4. Stay off your phone.

Texting or checking directions while driving is a top cause of accidents.

5. Use caution at intersections.

Rear-end collisions and T-bone crashes are common in high-traffic holiday areas.

If an accident occurs, even a minor collision can cause hidden injuries that surface days later, such as severe muscle strain, concussions, or back pain.

Hidden Injuries You Shouldn’t Ignore After a Holiday Crash

It’s common to feel “fine” right after an accident, but your body may still be in shock. Delayed symptoms can include:

Neck or back stiffness
Headaches or dizziness (possible concussion)
Tingling or radiating pain
Shoulder or chest pain
Fatigue or brain fog

Don’t wait for these symptoms to worsen. Our specialists at Tulsa Accident Care Center’s Auto Accident Recovery Treatment provide early diagnosis and treatment for both minor and severe injuries. ensuring you heal safely and fully.

Why Immediate Evaluation Matters

Seeing a medical professional after a crash not only supports faster recovery but also protects your insurance claim. Our clinic provides:

Comprehensive diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, Ultrasound)
Personalized physical therapy and osteopathic manipulative treatment
Documentation for attorneys and insurance claims

Even if you don’t feel pain right away, schedule a same-day evaluation at your nearest location in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or Owasso.

Enjoy the Holidays, Pain-Free

The holidays should be about family, laughter, and celebration; not lingering pain or stress after an accident.

If you experience any discomfort following a holiday travel incident, trust Tulsa Accident Care Center for compassionate, expert care. We specialize in auto accident recovery, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatments, and pain management tailored to your needs.

Call +1 (918) 888-8080 to schedule your appointment today. Start the new year with health, comfort, and peace of mind.