Holiday travel expected to increase

If you plan on traveling over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving, you will be one of over 54 million Americans on the road. Whether you travel near or far, we have some valuable information.

“AAA is projecting that more than 54 million people will take to the roads this Thanksgiving. That’s up almost 5% over last year and the biggest numbers we have seen since 2005,” said Lynda Lambert/ AAA East Central spokeswoman.

An additional 2.5 million people will be traveling the road and the skies compared to Thanksgiving 2017.

Experts says it’s because of the thriving economy. 

“It’s all due to a strong economy. People have more expendable income. So be safe but know there will be a lot of people along side you,” Lambert said.

In the East South Central Part of the United States, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, 3 million of those holiday travelers will travel by car, which is an increase of nearly 5% since last year. 

Over 100,000 people will take to the skies and fly to their holiday destinations.

But holiday travel is not the only thing on the rise, gas prices nationwide are also expected to be the highest in four years compared to past Thanksgiving holidays. 

AAA also encourages people to make sure their car is maintained prior to holiday trips. 

“AAA expects to rescue more than 360,000 stranded motorists over the Thanksgiving holiday. Mainly do to things like flat tires, dead batteries, and lock outs,” Lambert said.

If you are staying in South Central Kentucky for the Thanksgiving holiday, Kentucky State Police are urging motorists to use caution and be aware of construction zones. 

“In the Post 3 area we do still have construction zones,” KSP Post 3 spokesman Trooper Jeremy Hodges said. “Always get over in the next lane from where they are working. Give those guys and girls the courtesy the need and keep them safe. Also slow down, you can expect some delays since it is a holiday weekend coming up. Traffic is going to be slower than normal. People are trying to get to their destinations and we want people to get there as safely as possible.”

AAA defines the Thanksgiving travel period from Nov. 22 to Nov. 25.