Thanksgiving Travel: What You Should Know If You Are Traveling This Thanksgiving

Many Factors are Expected to Raise Thanksgiving Travel Numbers

Are you planning on traveling somewhere this Thanksgiving? You are not alone. Experts have estimated that the coming holiday weekend will include the most Thanksgiving travel since 2007.

A combination of factors including an improving economy, more disposable income, consumer optimism, and low gas prices are expected to create a significant rise in Thanksgiving travel this year. The increase in travel this Thanksgiving holiday, which is defined as Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30, has many implications for travelers.

Auto Club AAA has projected that 46.3 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles from their home for the holiday. At least 89% of those travelers will be traveling by automobile. Thanksgiving gas prices have not been this low in five years, and according to AAA, the national average price of gas is 43 cents less this year than the national average a year ago.

Despite a lower cost of gas, other travel expenses, such as airfare, hotel prices, and rental cars, are expected to be measurably higher this year.

Travel numbers and expenses are not all that is expected to rise. According to the annual Thanksgiving Travel Forecast from IRNX, those traveling can expect to spend at least 25% more time traveling this year compared to previous years.

Along with an increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers comes an increased safety risk as well. The National Safety Council has estimated that the holiday travel will result in 418 deaths and 44,700 injuries serious enough to require medical attention.

Additionally, the University of Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety has found that the week of Thanksgiving historically has a higher rate of vehicle crashes caused by deer, alcohol and bad weather than any other week of the year.

The falling temperatures as we approach the winter season also correspond with a drop in tire inflation pressure, so it is important that you check for proper air pressure in your tires before embarking on your Thanksgiving travels.

We at Bergman Engineering wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! Travel safe, and whatever your form of holiday travel, don’t forget to buckle up!