Christmas in Arizona should mean lights in downtown Phoenix, snow in Flagstaff, and quiet time with family. It should not mean spinning out on I-17, waiting on a tow truck in freezing wind, or arguing with an insurance adjuster from a hotel room. Every year, we see the same pattern: more traffic, more rushed drivers, more weather surprises, and more preventable crashes. Our goal here is simple. Help you plan your trip so you get the memories, not the emergency room.
Why Holiday Driving in Arizona Is Its Own Kind of Risk
Holiday travel in Arizona is unique. You can leave a sunny Phoenix driveway in a T-shirt, then be in snow and ice near Flagstaff, Payson, or the Grand Canyon by afternoon. Add snowbirds, visitors in rental cars, and locals in a hurry, and the risk climbs fast. We see crashes where people underestimated the weather, trusted “my car does fine in snow,” or tried to keep up with 80 mph traffic in construction zones. You cannot control everyone else, but you can control how prepared you are.
Arizona’s own crash data backs up how risky holiday travel really is. In 2024 alone, there were 4 fatal crashes and 4 people killed during just the two-day Christmas travel window statewide, and nearly 50 people have died in Christmas-period crashes between 2020 and 2024. Even though Christmas is one of the shortest measured holiday periods, it still shows up every year with multiple fatal and alcohol-related wrecks. It’s clear the holidays aren’t just busy, they’re some of the most dangerous days to be on Arizona roads.
Before You Go: Build Your Arizona Holiday Trip Plan
Plan Your Route and a Backup
Do not just plug an address into your phone and wing it. Look at the full route, especially if you are heading from Phoenix toward Flagstaff, Sedona, Show Low, or the Grand Canyon. Check ADOT’s 511 system and local weather for your departure and your destination, not just the Valley. Tell a friend or family member where you are going, which roads you plan to take, and when you expect to arrive. If conditions change, be willing to adjust or delay rather than “push through.”
Check Your Vehicle (or RV) Like It Actually Matters
Your car does not have to be perfect, but it needs to be safe. Before a Christmas road trip, check:
- Tire tread and tire pressure
- Brake lights, headlights, and turn signals
- Wiper blades and washer fluid
- Battery health, coolant, and basic fluids
If something is already acting “a little weird,” have a mechanic look at it before you point it toward I-10 or I-17. A small problem in town can turn into a big problem in the middle of nowhere.
For RVs and rentals, add a few more checks:
- Ask if the RV is winterized and what that actually means
- Learn how the heating works and how to monitor propane
- Ask about rules on chains and where you should avoid in bad weather
- Favor lower-elevation campgrounds if a strong cold front is coming
- Nighttime temperatures in high-country campgrounds can drop fast in December. If you are new to RVs, have a backup plan to bail to a hotel if conditions turn rough.
- Choose parks with full hookups so you have power for heaters and can manage tanks safely.
Pack a Real Arizona Emergency Kit
If you end up stopped on I-17 in a snow squall or on I-10 in a traffic backup, the little things make a huge difference. Build a simple kit and keep it in the trunk:
- Extra drinking water for every person, plus more than you think you need
- Non-perishable snacks (nuts, bars, crackers)
- Warm blankets, hats, gloves, and an extra layer
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Phone charger and a power bank
- Jumper cables, a small shovel, and sand or kitty litter for traction
- First-aid kit and any daily medications someone in your car needs
Download offline maps in case you lose service between towns. If you are traveling with kids or older relatives, comfort items and meds are not “extras.” They are part of safety.
On the Road Safety Driving Tips: Staying Safe on Arizona’s Highways
Slow Down on I-17, SR-87, and Mountain Grades
Arizona drivers push the speed limit even on a normal day. During the holidays, that pressure is worse, especially on I-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff and on SR-87 toward Payson. The problem is simple: high speeds, heavy traffic, curves, and elevation changes do not forgive mistakes. Drive at a speed where you can stop safely if the car in front of you slams the brakes. If people want to fly past you, let them. Better to arrive late than watch their taillights disappear into a ditch.
Respect Snow, Ice, and Chain Restrictions Up North
Flagstaff, Williams, and the Grand Canyon areas can see real winter in December. Some days you will have clear pavement and blue skies. Other days, you may see snow, slush, black ice, or chain requirements. Before every northbound holiday trip, check:
- Current road conditions and closures
- Snow or ice warnings on I-17, I-40, and roads into the Grand Canyon
- Any chain restrictions, especially after storms
If snow is actively falling, slow down more than feels “normal.” Give yourself extra space, brake gently, and avoid sudden lane changes. If authorities close a road or ask for chains, your vehicle or rental cannot be used; that is your sign to wait it out.
Do Not Underestimate Heat and Dehydration
Even in December, Southern Arizona can surprise visitors with warm, dry days, especially in the Valley and low desert. You might not feel sweaty, but you are still losing fluid. That is how people end up with headaches, confusion, and heat exhaustion on “winter” hikes and long drives. Drink water regularly, not just when you feel thirsty. If you are hiking on the trip, especially on exposed trails, treat sun and dehydration as real risks even when the calendar says December.
Treat Distraction and Impairment as Off-Limits
Holiday driving mixes long to-do lists, family group texts, music, kids, GPS, and party plans. It is easy to think you can “just check one thing” at a red light or in slow traffic. Arizona’s hands-free law exists because those split-second choices kill people. Set your route and music before you shift into drive, use a mount, and let a passenger handle the phone when possible. If you need to type, scroll, or fix your navigation, pull into a safe spot first.
Impaired driving is even more dangerous. A couple of drinks at a party feels harmless until you are on a dark highway with ice patches and a full car. Decide in advance who is staying sober. Use a rideshare, taxi, or couch if the plans change.
Special Arizona Roads Safety Tips
Phoenix to Flagstaff in December
The Phoenix–Flagstaff run looks simple on a map. In reality, you are climbing thousands of feet in elevation and crossing weather zones. Most winter days, the drive is fine as long as there is no active storm. When snow does roll in, conditions can change quickly.
A few practical tips:
- Try to avoid driving during the heaviest snow, especially at night
- Expect reduced speeds and slower traffic when plows are out
- Carry a blanket, water, and snacks even for “just a quick visit”
- If traffic stops in heavy snow, periodically check that your exhaust pipe is clear before running the engine for heat
The same mindset applies to trips toward Williams, the Grand Canyon, or other high-country towns. Give yourself options and time.
If You Get Stranded or Break Down
Even with good planning, things can go sideways. If your vehicle breaks down or you need to stop unexpectedly:
- Move as far off the road as safely possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Set out flares or reflective triangles if you have them.
- Stay with your vehicle unless DPS, law enforcement, or emergency responders tell you otherwise.
If you’re in a remote area, on I-17 in winter weather, or stuck in traffic after a storm, call 911 if you or anyone in your vehicle is in danger, injured, or exposed to extreme cold or heat. For non-emergency roadside help in Arizona, you can also contact:
- AZDPS (Arizona Department of Public Safety)
- ADOT’s Incident Response, available when highway crews are already nearby
- Your roadside assistance provider (insurance, AAA, or your vehicle’s support line)
In snow, check that the exhaust pipe is clear before running the engine. Run the car in short intervals to stay warm rather than letting it idle for long periods. Wrap passengers in blankets, drink water, and keep your phone charging if possible. Once help is on the way, update the person who knows your route so they’re not worrying in the dark.
If Someone Hits You During a Holiday Trip
You can do everything right and still end up hurt because someone else was speeding, texting, or driving drunk. If that happens, the steps you take in the hours after the crash can protect both your health and your future claim.
After a crash:
- Call 911 to get police and medical professionals on scene.
- Check for injuries and, if you can, move vehicles out of active traffic.
- Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with all drivers.
- Take photos of vehicles, damage, road and weather conditions, skid marks, and visible injuries.
- Get contact information from any witnesses who stop to help.
When you talk to officers or other drivers, stick to facts. Do not guess speeds or “take the blame” just to defuse tension. Avoid saying you are “fine” if you feel any pain, dizziness, or confusion. See a doctor the same day whenever possible, even if you think it is “just soreness.”
Before you give a recorded statement or sign anything from an insurance company, talk to a car accident lawyer. Holiday adjusters may push for quick, low settlements so they can close files. Once you accept, it can be very hard to go back if your injuries turn out worse than you thought.
How Our Arizona Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Holiday Crash
A Christmas or New Year crash can derail everything: work, family plans, medical bills, and your sense of safety on the road. That is where we come in. Our job is to help you make sense of what happened and protect your rights while you focus on healing.
When our car accident legal team takes on a case, we investigate what really happened, gather critical evidence, work with your doctors to document your injuries, handle the insurance companies so you’re not pressured into a low offer, and pursue the full compensation Arizona law allows for your losses. If another driver’s choices turned your holiday into an emergency, you do not have to figure this out alone. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Arizona’s roads will be crowded this Christmas, but a few careful choices can keep your family safe. If someone else’s careless driving turns your holiday upside down, we’re here to help you sort out the aftermath. Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and happy holiday season!