It might surprise some that Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel and the folks at AAA expect this year to be the busiest yet, projecting record-setting travel numbers.
More than 5 million New Yorkers will travel 50 miles or more for the holiday, according to AAA. That’s an all-time high for Thanksgiving.
While we realize this region doesn’t compare to a place like New York City or other large cities when it comes to traffic, the high numbers being projected by AAA are a reminder that there will be a lot of drivers on the road today through Sunday no matter where you are.
Nationally, travel numbers are expected to set new records, with an estimated 79.9 million travelers. The 2% growth is 1.7 million more people than the previous year’s record set and two million more than in 2019.
AAA officials say the busiest days to travel will be today and Sunday.
One bright spot — gas prices have been dropping, with the national average falling below $3 a gallon for the first time since 2021.
Even if you’re not planning on leaving town for the next few days, be aware that the roads will be busier than usual. Here are a few tips from AAA:
• Slow down and move over for first responders, tow trucks and any motorist with a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.
• Plan and allow more than enough time to get to the intended destination.
• Always buckle up and make sure everyone in your vehicle does so as well.
• Don’t be a distracted driver — save text messages and other distractions that divert attention away from the road until later.
• Plan ahead. Take precautions and be on alert on the road during the busy travel period.
There’s plenty for those of us staying close to home to be cautious about, too.
If you’re heading out on Black Friday to do some shopping the traditional way, be extra cautious in store parking lots and in our high-traffic corridors like Military Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard in the Falls and South Transit Road in Lockport. Nothing ruins a good deal like suffering through a fender-bender or worse, particularly if you weren’t being careful.
And keep an eye out for Niagara Falls firefighters collecting for their Niagara Falls Firefighters Christmas Toy Fund during the annual Boot Brigade on Black Friday.
For those planning to make a short trip for a local celebration or two where alcohol is being served over the next few days, be aware that Niagara County law enforcement agencies will be out in force over the next few days keeping an eye out for impaired drivers.
The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign efforts start today and end Sunday. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, as well as law enforcement agencies across Niagara County, will be out in force in a coordinated effort to reduce the number of impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.
Do your part to make this a safe and happy holiday.