Every year, thousands of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes occur in the states where we practice. In 2025, Missouri recorded 5,275 CMV accidents, while Illinois recorded 6,143. Many of these truck crashes occur during the final months of the year, when more commercial trucks hit the road. 

But why does higher activity occur? And what does that mean for other motorists? Below, a delivery truck accident lawyer explores the factors driving the seasonal surge, the risks and precautions that come with it and what to do after a truck accident.

Why the Holidays Coincide with Truck Crashes 

News outlets report traffic spikes in the days leading up to holiday celebrations. However, these statistics capture activity within a limited window and overlook the trends that contribute to congestion. To understand why more truck crashes occur, you must first look at consumer behavior. 

Consumer spending typically rises in the final months of the year, fueled by major shopping events, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas and Hanukkah. From now through December, American shoppers will generate $1.013 trillion in retail sales, including about $275 billion in online purchases.

That spending creates a ripple effect in the supply chain. Retailers must replenish their inventory to keep shelves stocked, while online purchases create demand for direct-to-consumer deliveries. Meeting these needs requires more shipments, which in turn requires more trucks. 

What Safety Risks Come with Holiday Shipping 

Peak shipping season contributes to the season’s dangerous driving conditions. As delivery truck accident lawyers, we often warn motorists of the following safety risks: 

Driver Fatigue

To meet demand, truck drivers work more. Federal guidelines allow up to 11 hours of driving in a shift — so many drivers increase their mileage by 10 to 20 percent. They may also voluntarily work six-day weeks to take advantage of premium pay rates.

However, the monotony of the open road, paired with poor sleeping conditions, leads to fatigue. Truck drivers may increase the risk of a CMV accident through slow reactions, impaired judgment and a higher likelihood of microsleeps.

Rushed Driving 

During peak shipping season, truckers face tight delivery deadlines — but road congestion, driver shortages and unpredictable weather may delay progress. To make up for lost time, some drivers may resort to speeding or other risky driving behaviors. 

These decisions can reduce their ability to react to changing road conditions, increasing the likelihood of serious truck crashes. 

Improperly Loaded Cargo 

The shopping rush puts pressure on warehouses and shipping operations. As a result, cargo may be improperly loaded, affecting a truck’s weight distribution. This makes it harder for drivers to maintain control, increasing the risk of serious crashes.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Peak shipping season coincides with winter weather in many parts of the U.S. Snow, ice and freezing rain can make it harder for large trucks to brake, accelerate and maneuver safely — making routine driving decisions dangerous.

How to Stay Safe Around Trucks 

You can’t control how truck drivers act on the road. But you can do your best to avoid hazards that contribute to truck crashes. A delivery truck accident lawyer from Roman & Boock would recommend that you:

Avoid No-Zones

Trucks have huge blind spots because of their size and height. These “no-zones” extend directly in front of, behind and along both sides of the vehicle. Motorists should avoid these zones entirely by looking for the truck driver’s face in their side mirrors. If you can see them, they can see you too. 

Keep Your Distance

Semitrucks take a while to stop at high speeds. And there’s always a chance that something could fall out of the truck. Consequently, motorists should give a commercial truck more space than they would another car. A 4- to 6-second following distance will give you time to avoid hazards behind CMV accidents.

Pass with a Purpose

If you need to pass a truck, do not linger in blind spots or keep pace. Motorists should pass trucks decisively in the left lane. If you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror when passing, it’s safe to merge over.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

No one plans to experience a truck crash. These accidents are often devastating — leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. If you experience a truck accident in Missouri or Illinois, your next best step is contacting Roman & Boock. 

Roman & Boock brings 100 years of combined experience to personal injury matters. With a $3.925M trucking accident settlement under our belt, we’re well-equipped to represent victims in court. 

To start your CMV accident lawsuit, contact our team online or over the phone at 314.754.1500.