Traveling by car this Thanksgiving? Here are the best times to drive

The 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, and the Georgia Department of Public Safety and AAA are sharing travel times and tips in hopes of making this week safer for drivers.

In a statement, GDPS Commissioner Hitchens asked motorists to do prep this year to help them arrive safely at their destination.

“Do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, obey the posted speed limit, wear your seatbelt, do not drive impaired or distracted and please be patient as you travel," he said.

GDPS said more people in Georgia will be on the road this year, with AAA forecasting the third-highest Thanksgiving travel numbers nationwide since it began tracking in 2000.

Across the country, 49.13 million people expected to travel by car, a 1.7% increase over 2022. 

During the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday period, Georgia troopers investigated 749 crashes, resulting in 401 injuries and 18 fatalities statewide. In addition to the crash investigations, 390 people were arrested for driving under the influence. Troopers and Officers issued 11,776 citations and 12,976 warnings.

Traveling at busy times can make car trips longer and, in some cases, less safe.

AAA recommends the following travel times for Thanksgiving road travel:
 

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website is offering some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe as you travel this weekend:

• Observe the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the amount of time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
• Observe all traffic laws and signals. Traffic laws and signals exist for your safety; failure to obey them can result in crashes that may seriously injure or kill you or others.
• Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend, or family member to get you home safely.
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. Also, properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, weight, and height.
• Show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads. Be mindful of your fellow motorists, especially the most vulnerable, pedestrians and cyclists. Stop at all stop signs, traffic signals and crosswalks, and check your blind spots.
• Pay attention to large trucks and buses. Leave extra space when merging in front of these large vehicles, anticipate wide turns, stay a safe distance back, signal clearly when merging in front of, or passing, and be patient.
• Do not drive distracted. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off the road, such as texting while driving. On July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act became effective. It prohibits all drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving.  A link to the complete law can be found on the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website at www.gahighwaysafety.org.

"Remember, Thanksgiving is meant to be spent with family and friends, and you can only do that by arriving safely," Hitchens said. "However, if you do experience an emergency during your travels and need immediate assistance, please dial *GSP (*477).”