Columbus, Ohio – The stretch between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous travel periods of winter in Ohio, particularly across the Columbus metro area and major interstate corridors, according to transportation safety trends and winter driving patterns.
Ohio transportation officials say crash risk often increases after Christmas even when traffic volumes appear lighter. The days following Dec. 25 combine return travel, driver fatigue, refreezing road conditions, and uneven traffic patterns, creating hazards that drivers often underestimate.
One of the most significant winter threats in Ohio is overnight refreeze. Daytime temperatures frequently rise above freezing, only to fall sharply overnight, allowing residual moisture to turn into black ice. This risk is especially high on bridges, overpasses, and ramps along Interstates 70, 71, 270, and U.S. Route 23, which serve as major commuter and freight routes through central Ohio.
Post-holiday fatigue also plays a major role. Drivers returning from overnight trips or late family gatherings often resume commuting with less sleep. Reduced alertness can slow reaction times and impair decision-making, particularly during early morning and evening travel.
Traffic patterns after Christmas can be unpredictable. While some residents remain on holiday break, others return to work, leading to inconsistent speeds and sudden congestion across urban streets and highways. The mix of local traffic, holiday return travel, and long-haul trucking traffic further elevates crash risk.
Emergency responders report that many post-Christmas crashes in Ohio involve single vehicles, often due to loss of control on icy pavement rather than heavy congestion. Rural roads outside metro areas can pose additional danger, as ice may persist longer and road treatment may be delayed.
Officials urge drivers to treat the Dec. 26–Jan. 2 period with the same caution as major holiday travel days. Slowing down, allowing extra time, and staying alert on familiar routes can significantly reduce risk as Ohio heads into the new year.
