If you’re hitting the road this Thanksgiving, pack your patience. The Georgia State Patrol has released a list of best and worst times to travel and, starting at noon today, traffic is expected to slow.
This travel time chart, compiled by the transportation analytics company INRIX, shows the Daily Worst and Best Times to travel. According to AAA, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips and this year will be no different even during the pandemic. Drivers around major metro areas must be prepared for significant delays, especially Wednesday afternoon.
The Georgia State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will be out in full force over the Thanksgiving holiday. The 102-hour holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 28.
“Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers will be patrolling interstates and secondary roads throughout the state to reduce traffic crashes, and deter unsafe driving behaviors,” said Georgia Public Safety Commissioner Colonel Chris Wright. He encourages motorists to make sure their vehicles are ready for the road, obey safety regulations, and “travel with patience.”
The Georgia Department of Public Safety offers these travel safety tips for those heading out on the road this holiday weekend:
- Obey the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the amount of available time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
- Do not drive impaired (this includes alcohol and/or drugs/medication). Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend, or family member to help you get home safely.
- Do not follow too closely behind the vehicle in front of you. Allow sufficient space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, usually a car length apart, so that you have plenty of time to stop your vehicle when traffic stops suddenly.
- Buckle Up! Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt and that children are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat.
- Pay attention to the road. Limit your distractions. Never use electronic devices to text or surf the web while driving. The Hands-Free Georgia Act prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving.
- Plan your trip. Minimize the number of stops towards your destination, pack meals, extra snacks and drinks, as well as an emergency roadside kit.
- Do not leave children and pets in hot cars. Regularly check the back seat and back floor area for children and animals, each time you exit your vehicle.
- Stay alert of your surroundings and show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.
During the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 659 crashes, resulting in 370 injuries. Statewide, there were 23 fatal crashes, resulting in 24 deaths.
In addition to crash investigations, Troopers and Officers arrested more than 290 people for driving under the influence, while issuing over 11,400 citations and nearly 13,400 warnings.
