Perhaps spurred by the scare of long lines at the airport and widespread flight delays from the (now settled) government shutdown, the AAA predicts that a record-high 73 million Americans will be taking to the road next week to gather with family and friends on Thanksgiving. That amounts to 90% of all travelers and a 1.3 million increase over last year’s pilgrimage.
Aside from the usual cautions to prepare a road-trip vehicle for a long winter’s drive with a fresh oil change and a mechanic’s inspection, planning routes and travel times to avoid traffic congestion and overly punishing stretches of pavement can help result in a stress-free excursion.
For starters, choose travel dates and times wisely. As logic would suggest, data from a recent AAA report confirms that traffic tends to be clearest on Thanksgiving Day proper, and the heaviest on the Wednesday before and Friday after, peaking on the following Sunday.
A survey of more than 50,000 American households conducted by the AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence, found that on most days during Thanksgiving week the best time to beat congestion is in the early morning or later evening hours, when the bulk of road trippers are either still preparing to leave or have already reached their destinations.
Here is a breakdown of Thanksgiving-week travel dates noting the best and worst times to venture forth for each:
- Monday, Nov. 24: Best before 11 am; worst 1 pm-5 pm
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: Best before 10 am; worst 1 pm-7 pm
- Wednesday, Nov. 26: Best before 10 am; worst 1 pm-5 pm
- Thursday, Nov. 27: Anytime
- Friday, Nov. 28: Best after 1 pm; worst 7 am-10 am
- Saturday, Nov. 29: Best before 1 pm; worst 4 pm-8 pm
- Sunday, Nov. 30: Best before 1 pm; worst 12 pm-6 pm
- Monday, Dec. 1: Best before 8 am or after 7 pm; worst 9 am-6 pm
A recent Allstate Insurance report found that holiday travelers can expect the worst traffic jams in Phoenix, AZ; Jacksonville, FL; Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN; and Oklahoma City, OK. Last year these metro areas suffered an average 46% increase in out-of-state traffic during Thanksgiving week, with the Monday before Thanksgiving suffering 20% more calls for roadside service than normal.
As for one’s chosen route, it may be wise to avoid or at least be cautious of stretches of pavement-challenged roads over which drivers experience the highest rates of vehicular damage. The recently released Worst Roads in America report, issued by PepBoys auto supply and service centers, shows that motorists in metropolitan areas having the most pockmarked roads required more frequent wheel alignment and suspension service and repaired or replaced tires:
- Orlando, FL
- Chicago, IL
- Panama City, FL
- Lafayette, IN
- Tampa–St. Petersburg, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- Tallahassee, FL
- Knoxville, TN
- Youngstown, OH
- Charleston, SC
- Augusta, GA
- Evansville, IL
- Springfield, AR
Aside from the obvious caution to pay attention and steer clear of potholes and broken pavement, the experts at the Motorist Assurance Program suggest slowing down when traversing a pockmarked stretch of road, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to allow for quick reactions to broken pavement and to ease up on the brakes if hitting a divot in the asphalt is unavoidable to better absorb the shock.
No matter how far from home holiday travel beckons, experts advise motorists to pack an emergency kit in the trunk that’s equipped with a set of battery-jumper cables, a good-quality snow/ice scraper and an extra jug of washer fluid. A portable shovel and a bag of kitty litter (to throw under the wheels for added traction) can come in handy if a vehicle becomes stuck in the snow. It’s also a good idea to stow a blanket, heavy gloves and a set of boots, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and some energy bars to cover any worst-case scenarios.
And since the weather can be especially unpredictable at the end of November, motorists are advised to operate their vehicles according to the elements, slowing down as conditions worsen and leaving extra room between their cars and the traffic ahead , as brakes won’t work as well under slippery conditions as they do on a dry road. Keep an eye out for frozen patches, especially on bridges and overpasses which tend to freeze sooner than paved roads. Avoid using the vehicle’s cruise control when the weather begins to turn ugly. And always drive with the headlamps on while out in foul weather, both to see better and be seen by other motorists.
Let’s hope this year’s Thanksgiving road trip is one to remember, and for all the right reasons.