New Year, New Commute: Why January Sees a Spike in Texas Car Accidents

When the holidays end and daily routines return, Texas roads become much busier. Offices reopen, schools resume, and commuters head back to work in full force. As traffic increases, so does the risk of car accidents.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, January is one of the months with the highest crash and fatality rates. This increase is not a coincidence. Several factors combine after the holidays to make driving more dangerous.

Understanding why January sees more crashes can help you stay alert and protect yourself and your loved ones as you get back into your routine.

January Driving Risks Every Texas Motorist Should Know

Driving in January comes with challenges that many drivers do not think about. Below are some of the most common reasons accidents increase at the start of the year.

Return-to-Work Traffic Surge

After weeks of lighter holiday traffic, roads quickly become crowded again. More cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians share the road during morning and afternoon rush hours. Heavier traffic means less space to react, which increases the chance of rear-end crashes and intersection collisions.

Drivers may also feel rushed as they adjust to early schedules again, leading to poor decisions behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving

Distractions remain one of the leading causes of crashes in Texas. In January, drivers may feel extra stress from returning to work, school schedules, or long commutes. Checking phones, reading work messages, adjusting navigation apps, or even eating breakfast on the road can take attention away from driving.

Even looking away for a few seconds can lead to a serious accident—especially in heavy traffic.

Darker Mornings

January has fewer daylight hours, which means many drivers travel to work or school in the dark. Low visibility makes it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, road signs, and stopped vehicles. Fog or early-morning glare can also make driving conditions worse.

Reduced visibility increases the risk of crashes, especially at intersections and crosswalks.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a January Car Accident

While these risks are common at the start of the year, there are steps you can take to stay safer on the road.

• Stay focused while driving. Avoid using your phone, eating, or adjusting devices while the car is moving.

• Get enough rest. Fatigue slows reaction time and affects judgment, making accidents more likely.

• Never drink and drive. Holiday celebrations may continue into January, but driving after drinking is never safe.

• Follow traffic laws. Obey speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs at all times.

• Check the weather. Rain, fog, or icy roads can increase danger. Knowing conditions ahead of time helps you plan safer routes.

Simple habits like these can lower your risk of being involved in a crash.

What to Do After a Car Accident in January

Even careful drivers can be involved in accidents caused by others. If you or a loved one is in a crash, staying calm and taking the right steps is important.

• Report the accident to the police and request a crash report

• Document the scene by taking photos of vehicles, road conditions, and injuries

• Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor

• Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company

• Consult a personal injury attorney to understand your rights

These steps can help protect your health and any future claim.

New Year Crash Injury? Call Shaw.

Returning to work or school should be a fresh start—not the beginning of an injury and financial stress. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence anywhere in Texas, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Ambulance and emergency care

• ER visits and hospital stays

• Surgeries and medical treatment

• Pain and suffering

• Vehicle damage

• Lost wages or missed work

• Wrongful death

• And more

At Carabin Shaw, we understand how overwhelming accidents can be—especially at the start of a new year. Our team is here to help you understand your options at no cost.

📞 Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use our live chat to schedule your free case evaluation. No fees. No obligations. Just clear answers and experienced legal help.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹TxDOT Crash Data