Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 18, 2025) — With over 100 million people hitting the road for holiday gatherings, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging drivers and passengers to take simple, lifesaving steps to stay safe and be prepared for emergencies during one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year.

New national estimates project 860 traffic fatalities nationwide during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel periods, with 431 during the Christmas travel period and 429 during the New Year’s travel period. According to data released by the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly 100,000 people are expected to be injured in crashes during the holidays.

“Behind every statistic is a real person and a family whose holiday will never be the same,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Many of these tragedies can be prevented by simple choices like buckling up, planning a sober ride home and staying focused behind the wheel.”

Holiday Travel Safety and Preparedness Tips
The Red Cross of Utah urges holiday travelers to follow these lifesaving steps:

• Plan ahead: Check weather forecasts, map out the route and share travel plans with family and friends.
• Pack an emergency kit: Include essentials like water, high-protein snacks, a first aid kit, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, cellphone charger and emergency contact information.
• Buckle up: Always wear seatbelts, no matter how short the trip.
• Drive sober and alert: Arrange for a sober ride home and don’t drive when impaired or overly tired.
• Stay focused: Eliminate distractions, reduce speed and adjust for winter road conditions.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
The holiday season, especially Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, is among the most dangerous times on the road. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence and encouraging safe choices such as planning a sober ride during the busy holiday season. Alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in 37% of Christmas traffic fatalities and 34% of New Year’s traffic fatalities, well above the annual average.

Be Ready If an Emergency Happens
The Red Cross urges drivers to carry an emergency kit year-round, as the right supplies can make all the difference in unexpected situations. For families traveling this holiday season, the Red Cross of Utah stresses the need for a winter car emergency kit. Along with basic supplies, include warm clothing (blankets, hats, gloves, socks), traction aids (sand or cat litter), and tools like an ice scraper and a small shovel to stay safe if stranded in cold weather. For a full list of recommended supplies, visit redcross.org/kit.

To stay prepared for any emergency, download the free Red Cross apps. The Emergency App provides real-time weather alerts, shelter locations and expert disaster guidance, while the First Aid App offers step-by-step instructions for injuries, including lifesaving CPR. Download the apps by searching American Red Cross at your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Learn More About the National Safety Council
For over 100 years, the National Safety Council has worked to eliminate preventable deaths, focusing on workplace and roadway safety. For more information, visit nsc.org. To access additional holiday fatality estimates, motor vehicle data and research, visit injuryfacts.nsc.org.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.