TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Historic holiday travel numbers are expected in Florida on the day before Thanksgiving.
More than 4.1 million people in the state are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home, according to AAA. Leaders with the auto club say that’s 101,000 more than Thanksgiving 2023.
The record-breaking rush means heavy traffic on roads.
“We have done this before, in the past. We do prefer to wake up early in the morning to avoid all the congestion and accidents,” driver Abigail Chavez said.
Early morning fog slowed drivers down at the start of the day.
“Visibility has been terrible, coming from Dunedin to Georgia,” Mike Turley said. “It’s normally about eight hours, we’re expecting 10 to 12 probably, today.”
Data distributed by AAA breaks down the busiest times on Florida roads:
- Monday, November 25
- Worst: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Best: Before 11:00 AM
- Tuesday, November 26
- Worst: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Best: Before 11:00 AM
- Wednesday November 27
- Worst: 1:00 PM – 5 PM
- Best: Before 11:00 AM
- Thanksgiving
- Minimal traffic impact expected
- Friday, November 29
- Worst: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Best: After 1:00 PM
- Saturday, November 30
- Worst: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Best: Before 1:00 PM
- Sunday, December 1
- Worst: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Best: Before 1:00 PM
- Monday, December 2
- Worst: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Best: Before 8:00 AM/ After 7:00 PM
Nationwide, AAA expects 570,000 drivers to call for roadside assistance over the holiday period. “We’re just going to take our time, we’re not in any hurry, and be safe,” Turley said.
AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ is available for the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend. The program offers safe, free rid for would-be impaired driver and their vehicles.
Drivers who need to use ‘Tow to Go’ can call (855)2-TOW-2-GO. The program should be used as a last resort.
