Traffic expectations as holiday travel kicks off

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Thanksgiving is a little over a week away, and Triple-A projects nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday; that would be a new record.

Triple A is expecting almost ninety percent of those heading out on the roads this travel season to be heading out via car. Another seven percent are expected to travel via airplane, and then finally, almost three percent are expected to take other modes of transportation as they head out this Thanksgiving season.

Iowa State Trooper Luke Hank said his expectations of increased traffic are high as drivers prepare to embark on the roads.

“It will be a definite uptick in the travel in terms of volume of cars on the roadway here, especially starting this weekend, early into next week, and right around that holiday, including through the following weekend, and then that next Monday we will see a lot of traffic around Thanksgiving,” Hank said.

With increased traffic expected on the roadways this Thanksgiving, it is important to keep safety in mind.

Hank went on to say that there are many things you can do to protect yourself and others as you prepare to head on the roads this Thanksgiving season.

“Getting that vehicle inspection is very important. We also need to make sure we are following the speed limits at all times, and buckling up is a huge thing. Buckle up every time you get in that vehicle, even if it is a short trip,” Hank said. “Those are a few of the most important things we need to follow on the roadways.“

It is also important to keep in mind the best and worst travel hours.

According to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights:

• The worst times to travel by car over Thanksgiving are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.
• The best time to hit the road is Thanksgiving Day itself when interstates and highways are typically clear.
• Drivers returning home on Sunday should leave early in the morning, and those coming back on Monday should expect a mix of travelers and work commuters on the road.

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