The holiday season is the busiest time for most retailers, bringing a significant increase in truck traffic as deliveries ramp up to meet consumer demand. With its extensive highway system and booming economy, California experiences a noticeable spike in truck accidents during December.
Truck accidents surge on California roads during the holiday season
With more semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other large commercial vehicles on the road to meet consumer demands, accidents involving these large vehicles become more common. It’s not just the volume of traffic contributing to this increase—several other factors add to the dangers on California's roads this time of year, including:
Road congestion
California’s highways rank among the most congested in the nation, and the holiday season only intensifies this issue. Major highways such as I-5, the 405, and Highway 101 become even more crowded with shoppers, vacationers, and delivery trucks all vying to reach their destinations. This congestion heightens the risk of rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle accidents involving large trucks.
In areas like the Los Angeles Basin and the San Francisco Bay Area, stop-and-go traffic is common in December. For truck drivers, sudden stops and tight merges can lead to serious crashes, especially if they cannot react quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Increased deliveries and truck traffic
December sees a surge in online shopping and in-store purchases, with companies rushing to deliver goods on time for the holidays. Truck drivers work around the clock, navigating California’s highways to meet these demands. Delivery trucks are common sights on popular routes like Interstate 10, Interstate 5, and Highway 99.
This increase in truck traffic means more large vehicles are sharing the road with passenger cars. Trucks take longer to stop, have larger blind spots, and require more room to maneuver. When highways are congested, these factors contribute to a higher likelihood of accidents.
Cargo overloads
During peak shopping periods, delivery trucks may carry heavier-than-usual loads. Overloaded trucks are harder to maneuver, slower to stop, and at risk of rollovers on turns or curves. For drivers sharing the road with these trucks, the added weight poses a hidden danger, particularly on narrow or winding roads. Ensuring trucks are loaded within safety limits is crucial, but during the holidays, some carriers may overlook this rule to meet high demand, putting others at risk.
Driver fatigue
One of the biggest risks during the holiday season is driver fatigue, particularly among truck drivers. The pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines can lead drivers to push themselves beyond safe limits. While federal regulations limit the number of hours truck drivers can be on the road without rest, some may still cut corners, driving while fatigued to meet holiday demands.
Fatigue impairs a driver’s reaction time, decision-making abilities, and alertness. On California’s busy highways, a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to a devastating accident.
Distracted driving during the holidays
The holidays bring added stress, and drivers often find themselves juggling distractions such as phone calls, text messages, and navigating busy roads. For truck drivers under tight deadlines, it can be tempting to multi-task, but distracted driving—whether by phone use or adjusting GPS—is especially dangerous. A few seconds of lost focus can be catastrophic in a large commercial vehicle, making distracted driving a significant concern on California’s roads.
Seasonal weather hazards
While California is known for its mild climate, the holiday season can still bring wet and foggy conditions in many areas, increasing the risk of accidents. Rain can reduce tire traction and create slippery surfaces, while fog can severely limit visibility on highways. For truck drivers, these conditions make controlling a large vehicle even more challenging, particularly when driving through mountainous or coastal regions. Combined with increased holiday traffic, these weather factors can lead to a surge in accidents.
Trucking company responsibilities during the holidays
With increased demand and challenging conditions, trucking companies must prioritize safety to protect everyone on the road. This responsibility includes ensuring their vehicles are well-maintained, assigning reasonable schedules, and enforcing hours-of-service regulations to prevent driver fatigue. Trucking companies that cut corners to maximize deliveries can endanger everyone on California's highways, and they can be held accountable if negligence leads to an accident.
Professional truck drivers also carry a heightened responsibility on the road, particularly during high-traffic seasons. They are trained to handle these large vehicles safely and must stay vigilant, avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and driving cautiously in adverse weather. When they fail to uphold these standards, the consequences can be devastating for others sharing the road.
How a lawyer can help truck accident victims
Truck accidents are often more involved than typical car accidents, with multiple parties potentially liable, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and even the vehicle manufacturer. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident during the holiday season, contact the truck accident lawyers at Clancy & Diaz, LLP in Contra Costa County for a free consultation.
Our experienced California truck accident attorneys can investigate your crash, identify negligent parties, and fight to hold those responsible accountable. We proudly handle cases in Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, Benicia, and throughout the East Bay. Give us a call or contact us online today to see how we can help you.