It is estimated that around 79.9 million people will travel to be with loved ones at least 50 miles from their homes this Thanksgiving holiday. With travel spanning a long weekend from November 26th – December 2nd. With these predicted record-breaking numbers, we thought it would be a great idea to share some of our wisdom on how to stay safe on the roads during Thanksgiving travel.

We understand that this is one of the busiest times for travel throughout the whole year as people will go to great lengths to be with family and loved ones around the holidays and traveling to and from one another is a big part of Thanksgiving. It is predicted that because we’re seeing lower fuel prices this year, compared to previous it might encourage more people to hit the roads instead of perhaps catching a flight. With this in mind, AAA (American Automobile Association) has projected that 72 of the almost 80 million people will travel by car during this holiday period.

As a domestic trucking company in the United States, we travel our roads and highways every single day. This gives us a daily insight into how major roads cope under stress and the mistakes that we commonly see drivers making. So, let’s have a look at how you can make your Thanksgiving travel as safe and efficient as possible.

Ways to Make Your Thanksgiving Travel Smooth

1. Plan, Plan, Plan to Avoid Peak Traffic

A leading transportation analyst solutions company, INRIX, has warned that the worst times to travel on the roads will be anywhere between Monday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Whereas, the best times for minimal congestion are predicted to be before 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on those days, with the least amount of travel expected on Thanksgiving day.

That’s all great on the run up to thanksgiving, but what about when you’re planning your return journey home? Well, it’s predicted that early on Sunday morning will be best for least traffic, or if you’re planning to travel on Monday, then expect a mix of fellow travellers, workers, and commuters.

💡 Tips To Avoid Congestion:

Use Traffic Apps: Be sure to check local news sources, alerts and use apps like ‘waze’ that monitor traffic to try and avoid major delays.

2. Prepare for Severe Weather Conditions

It’s hard to predict how the weather will be over the Thanksgiving period. But with it being late November, we can say to expect rain,  snow and icy conditions, meaning that roadways can quickly become a real hazard. These weather conditions, depending on the severity, might cause long delays and could even cancel travel plans for a few where the conditions are dangerous.

💡 Safety Tips for Severe Weather Conditions:

Regularly Check Forecasts: Utilize weather apps like Weather Underground to check what the conditions along your route are like and then make a decision if it’s safe to travel.

Prepare Your Vehicle: You should thoroughly check over your car to make sure it’s ready for the trip. Tires should be properly inflated, brakes inspected, oil and water levels topped up and wiper blades working. Also pack some de-icer and a scraper if you’re making a pit stop and it’s extreme conditions your vehicle could freeze over fairly quickly.

Carry Emergency Supplies: In the unfortunate case of unexpected delays or even a breakdown, it’s a good idea to have essentials like water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit in the vehicle.

Drive Appropriately: Dramatically reduce speed in rain, fog, or snow, and even use low beams for better visibility in severe conditions.

3. Do Not Drive Aggressively

Safe driving practices are obviously crucial all year around. However, with millions of people on the roads it’s easy to lose the holiday spirit and become frustrated and impatient, these feelings can influence our driving behaviors. But don’t let it get the best of you because these aggressive behaviors can very quickly become dangerous, when in fact we all just want to get where we’re going and make it to the Thanksgiving dinner table!

💡 Safe Driving Tips:

Keep a Safe Distance: Accidents can quickly occur if safe distances are not maintained on the road, especially when roads are extra busy, wet, icy or snowy. Always follow the two second rule, and even add an extra second or two of top of that when driving in bad weather.

Remember to Check Your Blind Spots & Be Aware of Others: It’s easy to forget about the size of a trucks blind spot, so avoiding sudden lane changes will help you to stay out of them. But, this doesn’t just apply to trucks, all drivers must remember to check blind spots regularly, particularly when it’s busy as people frequently switch lanes to try and keep traffic flowing.

Be Prepared for Unpredictable Driving Behaviors: There’s no excuse for this type of behavior on our roads, but it’s a fact that holiday drivers can easily become distracted while driving, because of unfamiliar routes, and the holiday rush. So expect sudden stopping, frequent lane merges and drivers skipping using a signal.

4. Minimize Distractions

Year on year distracted drivers are the root cause of the majority of accidents on our roads in the United States. The stakes are even higher when the roads are as crowded as they will be during this Thanksgiving season, and stress levels are elevated. Focusing all of your attention on the road is key to avoiding the risk of incidents, if you have a passenger even get them to keep an eye out for potential hazards too.

💡 How to Stay Focused & Minimize Distractions:

Put the Phone Away: Almost every vehicle has the means to use hands free technology these days, so utilize that. It’s just not worth the risk to “quickly” check a text.

Set Up Your Entertainment Before Driving: When you put your route into your sat-nav system also set up a playlist you’ve made or podcast to minimize fiddling with devices and infotainment systems along the way.

Limit Multitasking: Save eating or reaching for items until you reach a rest stop. If you need to adjust a GPS get a passenger to do so if you can, if not then simply pull over somewhere safe to do so. It only takes a few seconds of taking your eyes off the road for an accident to occur.

Be Careful of Other Distracted Drivers: Stay vigilant on the road, other drivers might be distracted so keep your distance if you notice a car that’s all over the road.

5. Manage Stress and Battle Fatigue

While Thanksgiving is a wonderful time, it can be overwhelming for the designated drivers in our lives. Long hours behind the wheel can turn into fatigue that can lead to reduced reaction time.

💡 Tips to Battle Stress & Fatigue:

Try to Get Enough Sleep The Night Before: Aim to get a full 8 hours of good REM sleep before a long drive.

Regular Coffee Breaks: Before you start to feel tired or drowsy take a break, and make them regular. Remember coffee will also be your best friend on these kinds of trips.

A Light Meal Might Help: We don’t know about you, but once we’ve eaten heavy Thanksgiving foods we feel extremely sluggish and want nothing more than to have a nap! Opting for lighter snacks before a long drive can help to avoid this.

Remember that reaching your destination safely is the greatest way to celebrate Thanksgiving. So, as you hit the road this holiday season, it’s important to remember that safety is key, not just for your own peace of mind, but for the well-being of everyone sharing the roads with you.

A Message From All Of Us At PEI! 

We hope everyone has a wonderful and magical time over the Thanksgiving period and gets to celebrate and spend some time with those that mean the most to you. Stay safe, everyone, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

The PEI Team ❤️