Uptick in Vehicle, Air Travel Expected This Holiday Weekend

More Bay Area residents will spend Thanksgiving away from home this year, according to a recent travel survey conducted by AAA of Northern California.

Despite budgetary constraints that have kept millions of Californians from traveling during the holidays over the past three years, approximately 5.3 million people statewide are expected to travel at least 50 miles during the Thanksgiving weekend, according to the survey. That's a 4 percent increase over last year's numbers.

"Many Californians have forgone holiday family gatherings over the past three years," AAA Northern California spokeswoman Cynthia Harris said in a statement. "This year the overwhelming desire to travel has taken hold, and the desire to create lasting family memories is proving to be more important that staying home for the Thanksgiving weekend," she said.

With an estimated 4.5 million Californians hitting the road this Thanksgiving, heavy congestion is expected on roadways statewide, according to AAA.

In response to the holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol is urging all drivers to exercise extra caution, since accidents typically increase during Thanksgiving weekend, both from alcohol consumption and people just not being attentive.

“Be patient while traveling on the roadways this holiday season,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow in a statement. “People are eager to see friends and loved ones, but it’s important to get to your destination safely.”

To monitor holiday traffic, CHP is launching a “maximum enforcement period” starting Wednesday at 6 p.m. through Sunday evening. During last year’s Thanksgiving weekend, 21 people were killed in collisions throughout the state. 

And if you’re drinking, designate a non-drinking driver before the partying begins.  Last year 1,546 people were arrested for driving under the influence.

Meanwhile, the auto club estimates that more than 620,000 California residents will fly to their Thanksgiving destinations. AAA projects that the average West Coast family of four will spend $906 during the four-day holiday weekend.

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