COLUMBUS, Ohio (WFFT) — For the fourth year in a row, AAA expects the highest Thanksgiving travel volume in Ohio since 2005, with nearly 2.3 million Ohioans traveling at least 50 miles from home between Wednesday, Nov. 27 and Sunday, Dec. 1.
With about 89 percent of Ohio travelers driving to their destinations, travelers can expect crowded roadways, especially during Wednesday afternoon and evening.
THE LOOP: Are you traveling this Thanksgiving? We give you the inside scoop on what to expect on the roadways and the best tool for helping you get where you need to go this holiday season. https://t.co/XjIbVXfeGY pic.twitter.com/akSvICy1o6
— Ohio Dept of Transportation (@ODOT_Statewide) November 26, 2019
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AAA also expects to help nearly 14,000 motorists in Ohio during the holiday period.
To avoid breakdowns, AAA says travelers should ensure their vehicles are road trip ready.
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The Ohio Department of Transportation expects a 63 percent increase in traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, making it the busiest holiday travel period of the year on Ohio’s roads.
With the extra traffic, ODOT will suspend roadwork and open as many lanes as possible.
However, drivers should pay extra attention while driving through work zones and allow additional time to reach your destination.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to buckle up, never drive impaired and always follow traffic laws.
Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, state officials say there were seven fatal crashes that killed seven people on Ohio’s roadways.
Two of those deaths were the result of an impaired driver and three were not wearing a seat belt.
Troopers will also have an increased presence on Ohio’s roadways to promote a safe Thanksgiving holiday.
