As one of the busiest travel times in the US, Thanksgiving week is notorious for its bad traffic. In 2023 alone, over 55 million people traveled by land to see their friends and family. While most roads will be busy the entire holiday period, you can avoid the worst of it by planning ahead. Here are helpful Thanksgiving travel tips for a fun and safe holiday:
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before the busy holiday season rolls in, bring your vehicle to the mechanic for a routine inspection. A simple oil change, tire rotation, and fluids top-off can make all the difference when you’re out on the road. You’re less likely to run into car trouble, and you’ll feel much more confident as you drive.
Don’t forget to clean your car interior for a comfortable ride. Get rid of any loose trash, and vacuum your seats for a dust-free cabin.
Bring an Emergency Roadside Kit
Accidents can still happen even if you’re driving a well-maintained vehicle, so be sure to bring an emergency roadside kit with you. Feel free to customize your kit according to your needs, but don’t forget the essentials, such as a flashlight, basic tools, and jumper cables.
Pack Your Snacks
The long drive is sure to drain your energy, which is why we recommend bringing some snacks to help you refuel. Choose your favorite goodies, and bring enough to share with your passengers.
Consider bringing healthy snacks that are also easy to eat, such as protein bars, fruits, and trail mix. Don’t forget to bring water, so you can stay hydrated as well.
Plan Your Route
Make sure the roads along your route are all passable, and look for nearby rest stops and gas stations. Planning your route also includes checking the weather before your trip and preparing accordingly.
Let a family member or friend know about your travel plans, so they know your whereabouts.
Take Frequent Stops
Be sure to include stops in your itinerary. Bathroom breaks and moving around for a few minutes can help keep you awake, especially if you’re driving at night.
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s also a good idea to let them stretch their legs and take a break every two to three hours.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
If you don’t time your trip correctly, you might just spend Thanksgiving stuck in traffic.
The day before Thanksgiving is one of the most congested days in the US, with most roads filled with traffic between 2 PM and 6 PM. If you plan on traveling before Thanksgiving, it’s best to leave as early as possible or before 11 AM.
On Thanksgiving day, the worst time to drive is typically between 11 AM and 3 PM. Leaving before 10 AM or after 5 PM can help you beat the traffic.
Avoid Driving During Thanksgiving Eve
Thanksgiving Eve is a time for making merry with your friends and family, but it’s also one of the most dangerous nights for drunk driving in the US. People tend to drink excessively on Thanksgiving Eve, also known as “Blackout Wednesday,” and then drive home intoxicated.
No matter what, don’t drive after drinking. Call for a taxi or hire a professional chauffeur to drive your car. Plan your ride home so that you can enjoy your Thanksgiving festivities to the fullest.
Bring Your Phone or GPS Device
If your car doesn’t have a built-in global positioning system (GPS), you’ll need your phone to navigate those busy roads. Following your planned route is important, but so is improvising when necessary. You never know when you might have to change course in case of an accident or road closure ahead.
If you can, ask a passenger to help you navigate. This way, you can focus on the road and avoid distractions from your phone.
Rest Well the Night Before
In 2017 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded at least 91,000 crashes related to drowsy driving. Around 50,000 resulted in injuries, while 800 led to casualties.
For your own safety, make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your travel date. When you’re sleepy, you’re less attentive to your surroundings. Your reaction time is slower, and you’re more likely to get distracted.
Be Patient
We know you’re excited to see your family, but aggressive driving never ends well. Stay calm behind the wheel, and maintain a safe following distance at all times. When switching lanes or turning, don’t forget to signal.
You might experience some delays, but these are typically caused by things out of your control. Instead of forcing your way through the traffic, enjoy the ride. Play calming music, or chat with your passengers.
Navigating through the Thanksgiving traffic can be aggravating. If you ever find yourself getting frustrated, remember the friends and family who are waiting for you to arrive safe and sound.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
