On the heels of an economic upturn and low gas prices, this Thanksgiving is expected to see the highest number of American travelers for the holiday since 2007, according to AAA.
The organization predicts there will be 48.7 million Americans making a trip longer than 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which begins Wednesday and continues through Sunday. The vast majority, 43.5 million, will travel on the road, according to a AAA news release.
With an increase in vehicle traffic and predictions of seasonal weather systems, Utah drivers are expected to see more congestion, according to John Gleason, spokesman for the Utah Department of Transportation. Snow is expected in Salt Lake and Tooele valleys Wednesday night and again Sunday, despite highs near 40 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
According to Gleason, the peak travel times over the holiday weekend are expected to be noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday afternoon to evening.
Gleason said when dealing with winter driving, especially for what may be the first time in months, it’s important to remember basic safe driving habits, including increasing following distance and allowing more time to reach a destination.
“The biggest thing to remember is to slow down,” he said. “You always want to drive for the weather conditions.”
Despite a speed limit sign on an interstate reading 70 mph, the safe and prudent speed may actually be 40 mph during a winter storm, according to Gleason.
While danger on the road may be apparent during a snowstorm, Gleason said drivers should also be aware of another winter hazard: black ice. If the temperature is low and the roadway appears to be wet, drivers should use caution because it can be difficult to determine if the road is wet or covered in a thin, transparent layer of ice, he said.
The combination of more drivers on the road and difficult winter driving conditions is likely to result in more minor accidents, where vehicles may slide off the road or get in minor collisions. Gleason said if your car leaves the roadway due to slick roadways, the safest thing is to call the police and shelter in place in your vehicle.
If you get in a minor accident on the roadway, you should attempt to get your vehicle to the nearest exit to avoid blocking the lane of travel and potentially causing additional accidents, Gleason said. Most drivers want to get out of their cars immediately to assess the damage but that can be unsafe in or near the road and put other drivers, first responders and you in additional danger, he said.
During the holidays, people can become focused on wrapping up tasks at the last minute ahead of other important tasks — like focusing on driving, Gleason said.
“The important thing is to arrive home or at your destination safely,” he said.