Maryland road warriors… If you’re heading out of town or state for Thanksgiving, expect plenty of company. AAA reports that nationally, motor vehicle travel for Thanksgiving week 2019 is expected to increase by 3 percent compared to last year – with some 49.3 million cars hitting the road in the U.S.
Sounds inviting? AAA Mid-Atlantic reports that the majority of Marylanders traveling for Thanksgiving will be hitting the road – with 1,042,500 residents (91 percent of state travelers) getting to their destination by auto. To avoid a motor vehicle accident or other problems on the road this Thanksgiving, AAA and the Travel Channel offer some good-sense travel advice…
Travel during off-peak hours. Not surprisingly, the late afternoon/early evening hours of Wednesday Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 27) are the very worst times to be on the road, with holiday travel at its nastiest peak congestion. AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts this Thanksgiving Eve to set record traffic delays on Maryland roadways.
Don’t drive distracted. If you’re running late and need to text a friend or relative, pull over. AAA launched its “Don’t Drive Intexticated” distracted-driving public awareness campaign in hopes of raising awareness of the dangers of texting and driving. With so many people on the road eager to get where they’re going this Thanksgiving, you’ll need hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Make sure your vehicle is road worthy. AAA estimates some 368,000 motor vehicles across the U.S. will break down and require assistance during Thanksgiving week travel. That’s a lot of flat tires, dead batteries, and headaches on our nation’s roadways.
Plan for road delays and allow extra time to get there. No one enjoys the Thanksgiving travel crunch. But a little advance planning can help ease the pain. The Travel Channel recommends motorists travel with a GPS or smartphone, preparing an alternate route if the major highways get too clogged up. Pack water and snacks, and plan ahead for rest stops. Bring cash if travelling on toll roads. And if traveling to destinations where weather could be an issue, brush up on tips for handling snowy, icy, and other stormy driving conditions.
Be safe out there this Thanksgiving on our roadways, Maryland. It’s going to be a busy one.
Sources:
AAA: More than 55 Million Travelers Taking to the Roads and Skies This Thanksgiving
AAA Newsroom Nov. 14, 2019
1.15 Million Marylanders to Travel This Thanksgiving, the Most Since 2005, Forecasts AAA
AAA Mid-Atlantic Nov. 21, 2019
Thanksgiving Travel Tips
The Travel Channel collected Nov. 24, 2019