If you’re on the road this weekend, you won’t be alone
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - If you’re driving to your Thanksgiving destination, be prepared for some potentially crowded roads in both Georgia and South Carolina.
Thanksgiving travel is expected to be at or above pre-pandemic levels in both states, and AAA expects nearly 90-percent of all Thanksgiving travelers to be taking a car.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that during the Thanksgiving travel period over just the past two years, more than 1,000 thousand people have been injured and more than two dozen have been killed in crashes on South Carolina highways.
So more troopers will be on the roads, too, in both states.
“We want to be able to keep everyone safe, and we want to have an adequate amount of troopers responsive to any incidents or collisions that may occur,” SCHP Lance Cpl. Tyler Tidwell said. “Driving is a privilege. Just keep your eyes on the road and stay safe.”
EARLIER COVERAGE:
- What to expect on the road this long holiday weekend
- Ga., S.C. soaring past pre-COVID levels for Thanksgiving travel
- Thanksgiving travel rush is back with some new habits
Across the Savannah River, the Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies will have extra staffing to enforce speeding, DUI, hands-free, seat belt and all traffic safety laws through the holiday travel period, which ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
The Georgia State Patrol urges people to think twice about getting behind the wheel when they’re overly tired and sleepy. They say they need drivers to be focused for a safe holiday season
“We ask people to follow the general rules of don’t text and drive, don’t follow too close. Everybody’s got to get to their destination. We want them to get there safely,” said Richard Sikes with the GSP.
He says GSP urges everyone to take extra care on the roads, following the law yourself, but also keeping an eye out for the drivers around you too.
Higher prices
- Airfares cost 22% more this Thanksgiving than last year
- Hotel nights cost 17% more than they did 2021
- On the other hand, car rentals cost 7% less
Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.