Travel numbers up this Thanksgiving holiday
By Leah Rainwater
With almost 72 million people traveling by car for the Thanksgiving holiday, roads will be busy this week, calling for some extra attention from drivers.
“Road trips have always been very popular for the Thanksgiving holiday as people go visit loved ones. But we know that also, road trips have had a little bit of a resurgence in the last few years,” said AAA Missouri Spokesman Nick Chabarria. “Because people are, you know, enjoying the flexibility of taking a road trip.”
Chabarria said to be prepared for a high volume of drivers on the road starting Tuesday, Nov. 26, as travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
“Just anticipate that, build that into your travel plans,” Chabarria said. “Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you’re going safely.”
A big factor for car travel is the lower gas prices. On average, costs in Missouri are about $2.71 a gallon, which is 10 to 20 cents lower than prices in the previous year. The record gas price for the Thanksgiving holiday period was $4.68 in 2022.
“Drivers can expect to see some year-over-year savings in both, you know, Missouri and even some surrounding states,” Chabarria said.
Missouri ranks one of the top 10 cheapest states to get gas in, as does Kansas.
Chabarria said along with gas prices, safety also should be top of mind for holiday travelers.
“Of course, our first responders, EMS, tow operators will be out working throughout the holiday period,” Chabarria said. “Make sure if you see flashing lights on the side of the road, you’re slowing down and giving them at least one lane to do their job safely and get to their families as well.”
With more people out on the road this holiday season, the Missouri Department of Transportation also is encouraging safe driving. From 2019 to 2023, there were 53 deaths due to crashes during the Thanksgiving travel period statewide.
MoDOT reminds drivers to wear their seat belts, stay off their phones, slow down and never get behind the wheel while impaired.
