AAA Releases Thanksgiving Travel Predictions
AAA has released its annual projections for Thanksgiving travel this holiday season and has predicted that 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this year. That number is a 1.5% increase over 2021 and just shy of pre-pandemic volumes. Much like last year, AAA predicts that most travelers will drive to their destinations, with nearly 49 million people expected to travel by car.
Thanksgiving 2022 is projected to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel since AAA started tracking in 2000, which means safety on the roads is of utmost importance. Therefore, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has provided the following tips to help ensure safe traveling this Thanksgiving:
- Never drive impaired. Celebrate responsibly and do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or took drugs that cause impairment. Plan ahead and find a safe way home every time – designate a driver or use a ride service.
- Check your tires. Tires are a vehicle’s first line of defense on the road. Check your tire pressure, tread depth and spare tire especially before long trips. Do not over load your vehicle, it can result in premature wear and tire blowouts.
- Buckle up. A seat belt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature. Florida law requires that all drivers, all front seat passengers and all passengers under the age of 18 wear seat belts or the appropriate child restraints. Seat belts save lives, so buckle up every trip, every time.
- Register or update your Emergency Contact Information (ECI). ECI is a secure system allowing law enforcement, nationwide, to contact designated family or friends in response to an emergency situation.
- Observe and obey all speed limits. Speed limits may change as you drive through different types of roadways, so make sure you adjust your speed accordingly. In Florida, the limit will never be over 70 mph.
The FLHSMV encourages drivers to call *FHP (*347) to report intoxicated or aggressive drivers, or if your vehicle breaks down and you need assistance. As always, if you find yourself in a car crash or injured in a vehicular accident, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you through the legal system along your journey of recovery.
