Burlington, Vermont – The stretch between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 is consistently one of the most dangerous travel periods of winter in Vermont, particularly around the Burlington area and along major regional corridors, according to winter travel patterns and transportation safety trends.
State and local officials say crash risk often increases after Christmas even though traffic volumes appear lower. The days following Dec. 25 combine return travel, driver fatigue, refreezing road conditions, and uneven traffic patterns, creating hazards that are easy to underestimate.
One major factor is overnight refreeze. Vermont frequently sees daytime temperatures rise above freezing, followed by sharp drops after sunset. This cycle creates black ice on untreated roads, bridges, and rural highways. The risk is especially high along Interstate 89, U.S. Route 2, and Vermont Route 7, where shaded areas can remain icy well into the morning.
Post-holiday fatigue also plays a role. Drivers returning from family gatherings or overnight trips often resume commuting with reduced sleep, which can slow reaction times and impair decision-making. Early morning and evening travel periods are particularly risky during the days immediately after Christmas.
Another contributor is mixed traffic behavior. While some residents remain on holiday break, others return to work, leading to unpredictable speeds and traffic flow. On rural Vermont roads, fewer vehicles do not always mean safer conditions, as icy surfaces and wildlife crossings remain a concern.
Emergency responders note that post-Christmas crashes in Vermont are frequently single-vehicle incidents, often involving loss of control on icy pavement rather than congestion-related collisions.
Officials urge drivers to approach the Dec. 26–Jan. 2 period with heightened caution. Slowing down, increasing following distance, and remaining alert on familiar routes can significantly reduce risk as Vermont transitions toward the new year.
