AAA Predicts Largest Number of Drivers over Thanksgiving since 2007

If you’re planning on driving to a Thanksgiving gathering this week, expect the trip to take longer than usual. According to AAA, there will be about 46.3 million people traveling 50 miles or more over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is the largest traveler volume since 2007.

The AAA report contained the following information:

• This total of 46.3 million people is up 4.2% from 2013
• Approximately 90% of these travelers (41.3 million people) will be driving to their Thanksgiving holiday destination, a 4.3% increase from last year
• The increase in driving is due in part to the fact that Thanksgiving gas prices are the lowest they’ve been in 5 years
• The average distance traveled over Thanksgiving weekend will be 549 miles

In many ways, these figures are a great sign. It means more people will be spending the Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones than in recent years. However, there are also some important things to keep in mind due to the larger than normal volume of traffic.

Expect rush hour traffic on Wednesday afternoon to be much busier than normal, and expect delays on Thursday when driving to your Thanksgiving gathering. This traffic may increase the likelihood of a car accident if people become impatient due to delays. Drive safely and carefully, and be on the lookout for erratic drivers.

It is also important to be on the lookout for drunk drivers on the way home Thursday night. Numerous glasses of wine and a gluttonous turkey dinner is a formula for disaster on the road. People may be drunk and/or tired when driving home. If you see anyone who appears to fit into this category, try to avoid them (and a potential car accident) by taking an alternate route.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another, Michael Grife can help. He has nearly a decade of experience handling these complex cases, and he’ll fight aggressively to protect your rights every step of the way.

Please contact the Grife Law Firm today to schedule your free car accident consultation. Mr. Grife serves clients in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, and throughout Florida.