148.7 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, an increase of one million travelers compared with last year. This represents a 1.9 percent increase over 2015, and the most Thanksgiving travelers since 2007. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Nov. 27.
Want to learn more about driving defensively this holiday season? Take our online class.
Not only are all these cars on the road did you know it is the highest time for DUI’s. The most traveled holiday period of the year is Thanksgiving weekend, and DUI arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend. Thanksgiving Eve is even referred to as “Black Wednesday,” as it may be the busiest night of the year for bars. Social binge drinking (consumption of a high volume of alcohol in a short period of time) is also common at this time of year.
Driving remains most popular mode of travel for Thanksgiving The vast majority—more than 89 percent—of holiday travelers will drive this Thanksgiving. The 43.5 million Americans planning a Thanksgiving road trip represents an increase of 1.9 percent over last year. Air travel is expected to increase 1.6 percent, with 3.69 million Americans flying to their holiday destinations. Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses, will increase only slightly this Thanksgiving, to 1.44 million travelers.
Thanksgiving gas prices second-cheapest in nearly a decade Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.16, 11 cents more than the average price on Thanksgiving last year ($2.05). Most U.S. drivers will pay the second-cheapest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2008, when the national average was $1.85.
We have already had our 1st snow fall in the northeast so it is important to make sure your car is in good shape for any Thanksgiving roadtrips you have planned. Make sure that you have good
All Season Tires
Clean Head/Tail Lights
Regular Oil Changes
Gas In Your Car
An Emergency Kit
1st Aide Kit
All of these things can help for smoother travel and if you should run into any trouble they can be very helpful.
With all these cars out on the road it is important to remember Defensive Driving Skills!
Don’t engage in Road Rage
Don’t tailgate
Leave plenty of time to get to your destination
NEVER drink and drive! Call a cab or have a designated driver!
Stay safe this Holiday Weekend. Happy Thanksgiving and as always, DRIVE SAFE!