Thanksgiving travel expected to be up despite higher gas prices

Consumer Reports News: November 23, 2010 12:08 PM

Even though gas prices are on the rise, some experts predict that more people will be on the roads this Thanksgiving compared to last year. The nationwide average gasoline price this week is $2.88, up 24 cents from last year at this time. Yet, AAA thinks that travel over the Thanksgiving holiday will increase over 11 percent from 2009 with about 42.2 million travelers driving at least 50 miles away from home. While more people on the road might be a sign of a better economy, heavier traffic will cause more delays and will cost more at the pump.

[Click here for the latest average gas prices on Consumer Reports Online.]

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of year on the nation's roads and besides the traffic and higher gas prices, it is also one of the most deadly and tragic. In the latest statistics from 2008, for November 17th to December 1st, 1,120 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. More tragic is the fact that more than half of those killed were not wearing their seat belts, suggesting that many deaths could've been prevented.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure safe travel this Thanksgiving holiday.

Buckle up. Even though belt use is at an all-time high (85 percent), that still leaves millions of Americans unbuckled and at risk. Every day 38 people who are not buckled up die in motor vehicle crashes.
Check your tires. It's important to make sure your tires are in top shape before you hit the road. Tire pressure drops in colder temperatures, so you may need to fill it up before and even during your trip if you are headed to colder regions. Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire's sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front doorjamb, in the glove compartment, or in the owner's manual. Also, if your tire treads are running uneven or if you see cracks, cuts or bulges, it may be time to invest in new tires. See our buying advice and Ratings of car, truck and winter tires.
Tune up. Check the fluids, brakes, and oil to make sure your car is in top shape. For more details on key maintenance checks, see our guide to vehicle maintenance.
Drive safe, alert, and sober. If you plan on having a few drinks during the festivities, make sure you don't drive; designate a sober driver to take you home. Remember that a big meal can also make you tired. Be sure to rest after a meal, driving only when alert. Trade off driving chores on long trips.
Don't drive distracted. Texting while driving is illegal in 30 states, plus the District of Columbia, and talking on a hand-held cell phone is illegal is nine states plus D.C. Resist the urge to use your phone in the driver's seat. Unless you are using the cell phone strictly for navigation, put it in the glove compartment or turn it off completely. No text or call is worth a life.
Find your way. A portable navigation device or cell-phone navigator can be a helpful tool to get where you need to go. In particular, traffic services and detour rerouting may be particularly useful for working through holiday traffic. Plus, navigators can guide you to points of interests such as restaurants and gas stations, and even locate nearby emergency services. Just remember to program it before you leave or pull over to set up the navigation to avoid distractions. To find out which GPS is right for you, check out our Ratings and buying advice.