Safe Travels and Enjoy your Holiday

AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period*. This year’s Thanksgiving forecast is an increase of 2.3% over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years were 2005 and 2019, respectively.

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

Historically, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward are the busiest travel days, according to TSA. The agency is projected to screen about 2.6 million people on Tuesday, Nov. 21; 2.7 million people on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and 2.9 million passengers on Sunday, Nov 26.
 
Most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA projects 49.1 million Americans will get behind the wheel, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022. 

What You Can Do 

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates 507 people may die on U.S. roads this Thanksgiving holiday period. Holidays are traditionally a time of travel for families across the United States. Many choose car travel, which has the highest fatality rate of any major form of motorized transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Holidays are also often cause for celebrations involving alcohol consumption, a major contributing factor to motor-vehicle crashes.
 
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), seat belts are 45 percent effective in preventing fatalities among front-seat passengers, and an estimated 201 lives could be saved this Thanksgiving period because occupants are wearing set belts. Another 118 lives could be saved if everyone were to wear their seat belts.

The NSC says there are several things people should consider before they set out on the road this Thanksgiving holiday, which include:

  • Preparing before you drive, by checking the oil, putting air in tires, and repairing open recalls.
  • Drive distraction-free by putting away your cell phone.
  • Do not exceed the speed limit and pay attention to people walking and biking.
  • Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation.
  • Avoid fatigue driving and ensure you’re well-rested before you get behind the wheel.
  • Always wear a seat belt while driving. Between 1975 and 2017 an estimated 375,276 lives have been saved by using seat belts.
  • Protect vulnerable passengers and check the manufacturer’s instructions before installing a child’s safety seat.
  • Look before you lock and make it a priority to see if any children remain inside the car.
  • Understand your vehicle’s safety systems.
  • Take an alternative path and consider leaving the car at home if you are traveling a short distance.
  • Watch for all road users and respect everyone around by giving them space to be safe.

Contact Us

Interested in using automated enforcement to keep your community safe? Contact Us: 888-666-4218, Ext. 6 for East Coast and Ext. 7 for West Coast.  We can also be reached at [email protected]