AAA expecting record-breaking travel numbers this holiday season

We’re entering one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Experts say there’s several things you can to do get there faster – and safely.

AAA is expecting record-breaking numbers for domestic travelers between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1. That includes an additional 3 million more travelers than last year.

About 90% of those travelers are set to hit the road to get to their holiday destinations. With an increase of cars on the road, drivers can expect to see additional hazards.

Shawn Steward is a spokesperson for AAA South Dakota. He said being aware of where you’re driving through can impact the risk factors you face.

“Safe to be aware that there may be extra congestion, especially if your travels take you through certain metro areas at certain times. If you’re looking at trying to avoid the worst traffic, try to avoid rush hour times. Especially in large cities holiday travel may mix with people getting off work,” Steward said. 

He also said to be sure to follow the speed limit, ensure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt and drive fully alert and refreshed. As roads get busier, these risks increase.

Steward said if you can plan your driving times around the less congested travel times, it might be smart to do so.

“The holidays fall on Wednesdays this year, so we expect those weekends to be especially busy. There will probably be the least amount of traffic on Christmas Eve and Christmas day and New Years Eve and New Years Day,” Steward said. “Try to avoid those peak travel times. The worst times are gonna be generally in the afternoons and evenings. The best times to travel, if you can get out, is early morning and kinda beat the rush.”

He also said during celebration times – always have a sober driver.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is conducting sobriety checkpoints in 15 counties this month.