AAA: Over 119 million Americans forecasted to travel for the holidays

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s got its headaches. One of the biggest is getting to where you need to be without encountering a level of frustration.

“It can be a little frustrating and challenging at times,” semi-truck driver Joshua Vagaia said.

AAA estimates nearly 120 million Americans will be traveling this holiday season, another record-breaking prediction. While 2.7 million from Tennessee doesn’t quite eclipse previous forecasts for the state, it’s still a lot of people using similar ways to get to where they need to go.

“Make sure you plan ahead, and give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to be,” AAA Spokeswoman Megan Cooper said.

If you’re hitting the road, pack some extra items with you. An emergency kit, blankets, snacks, and jumper cables. Make sure to check all your car’s fluids before you get out on the road as well, especially for longer trips.

“Go in the off hours that’s the easiest way to get around,” Nashville native David Knox said. “Take backroads and don’t be in a hurry.”

Experts also say to get a good night’s sleep, and that being alert is one of the biggest concerns for drivers on the road.

“Driving on about 4 or 5 hours of sleep, it’s as dangerous as driving with a .08 BAC,” Cooper said. “If you get less than four hours, that risk doubles.”

With the amount of congestion that roadways are projected to see, experts caution drivers to use patience.

“It’s the holidays too, a lot of people are stressed out, I try to keep that in mind,” Vagaia added. “Just remember we’re all trying to get somewhere safe and be with our families.”

In addition to the projections above, AAA estimates the roads will see an additional 2.5 million people on the road in comparison to last year.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also recommends the following if you’re getting out on the road:

• Equip your car with an emergency roadside kit. Ensure you have jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger or power bank, a blanket, a map, and cat litter or sand for better tire traction in icy conditions.
• Sleep. Get a good night’s rest before you drive.
• Leave early. Plan for heavy traffic.
• Buckle up. Ensure all passengers are buckled correctly no matter how short the distance.
• Avoid distractions. Make sure your cellphone is put away.
• Travel at a safe speed. Be aware of road conditions, such as during bad weather and road repair, to keep you and your passengers safe.
• Drive Sober. Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink. In 2017, there were 10,874 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol.

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