IUP Emergency Management reminds you to travel safely and plan more driving time during the busy Thanksgiving travel holiday.

Airports and roads may seem jam-packed this year as AAA predicts 53.4 million people to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13 percent from 2020. This brings travel volumes within 5 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with air travel almost completely recovering from its dramatic fall during the pandemic, up 80% percent over last year. As restrictions continue to lift and consumer confidence builds, AAA urges travelers to be proactive when making their travel plans this holiday season.

The Thanksgiving holiday period is defined as Wednesday, November 24, to Sunday, November 28.

Know before you go, and take simple steps to ensure safe travels for you and your family.

  • Don’t post online that you’re away from home—wait until you return home to post on social media
  • Be sure to secure all doors and windows before leaving home
  • Make sure to replace any expired insurance identification cards
  • Use a designated driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party
  • Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled
  • Put the cell phone away while driving
  • Observe speed limits
  • Dial for real-time traffic information

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving