The holiday season in San Antonio brings festive lights, family gatherings, and increased road traffic. From bustling shopping areas like The Shops at La Cantera to holiday events downtown and road trips to nearby Hill Country towns, holiday driving in Texas can quickly turn stressful or dangerous if you’re not prepared.With more drivers on the roads, higher chances of impaired or distracted driving, and unpredictable Texas weather, holiday safety is essential. For families—especially those with teen drivers—proactive habits make all the difference. At Rhodes Driving Schools, our defensive driving courses and teen drivers ed programs emphasize safe habits year-round, including during busy holiday periods. In this guide, we share practical holiday driving safety tips tailored for San Antonio families, so you can enjoy the season stress-free.(San Antonio’s River Walk decked out in holiday lights—beautiful, but crowded with drivers and pedestrians during the season.)Why Holiday Driving Is Riskier in San AntonioHoliday traffic spikes for several reasons:
- Increased shopping and event travel (e.g., Fiesta in Lights, Luminaria at the Botanical Garden).
- More out-of-town visitors navigating unfamiliar roads.
- Higher risk of impaired driving (alcohol, fatigue from long hours).
- Potential for sudden rain or fog in December.
- Busy highways like I-10, I-35, and Loop 410 during peak times.
- Plan Your Route & Leave Early
Use apps to check traffic and construction. Leave extra time to avoid rushing. - Avoid Fatigue & Impairment
Never drive drowsy or after drinking. Designate a sober driver or use rideshare services. - Increase Following Distance
Allow at least 4–6 seconds in normal conditions, more if roads are wet or crowded. - Stay Focused & Distracted-Free
Put phones away. No texting, even at stoplights. Model safe behavior for teens. - Check Your Vehicle Before Trips
Ensure tires, brakes, lights, and wipers are in good condition. Pack an emergency kit. - Drive Defensively
Anticipate other drivers’ mistakes. Watch for sudden lane changes or tailgaters. - Handle Holiday Weather
San Antonio can have sudden rain or fog. Slow down, use headlights, and avoid standing water. - Teach Teens Holiday Rules
Remind them of Texas laws: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (provisional license), and zero tolerance for alcohol.
- Crowded parking lots at malls and event venues.
- Pedestrian-heavy areas near the River Walk, Alamo, and holiday markets.
- Increased construction zones on major highways.
- Wildlife crossings on rural routes if heading to the Hill Country.
- Teen Drivers Ed includes defensive driving skills for high-traffic and holiday scenarios.
- Adult & Family Courses refresh safe habits for everyone.
- Defensive Driving Courses (online & in-person) teach proactive safety.
- Flexible 7-day scheduling at 4 locations.
- Third-party DPS road testing for faster licensing.