Los Angeles, California – The period between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous travel windows of winter in California, particularly across the Los Angeles metro area and major regional corridors, according to transportation safety trends and seasonal driving patterns.
California transportation officials say crash risk often increases after Christmas even when traffic volumes appear lighter during off-peak hours. The days following Dec. 25 combine return holiday travel, driver fatigue, heavy regional traffic, and changing weather conditions, creating hazards that drivers frequently underestimate.
One of the biggest contributors in Southern California is traffic variability. While some residents remain on holiday break, others return to work, and millions of visitors continue traveling during the final week of the year. This leads to unpredictable congestion and sudden speed changes on major routes such as Interstates 5, 10, 405, 110, and 605, as well as key surface streets.
Weather can also play a role. While snow is uncommon in coastal areas, rain, dense fog, and reduced visibility are frequent during late December. Wet roads can become slick quickly, especially after long dry periods, increasing stopping distances and crash risk. Early morning fog is a recurring hazard across basins and valleys.
Post-holiday fatigue further elevates risk. Drivers returning from long-distance travel or late-night holiday gatherings often resume commuting with less sleep, slowing reaction times and impairing judgment during early morning and evening drives.
California also sees increased long-distance and recreational travel during this period, with drivers heading to mountain and desert destinations. Routes leading toward higher elevations can experience rapidly changing conditions, including snow and ice, even when metro areas remain dry.
Emergency responders note that many post-Christmas crashes in California involve single vehicles, often tied to speed, distraction, or loss of control on wet pavement rather than heavy congestion.
Officials urge drivers to treat the Dec. 26–Jan. 2 period with the same caution as major holiday travel days. Allowing extra time, reducing speed in wet or foggy conditions, and staying alert amid unpredictable traffic can significantly reduce risk as California heads into the new year.
