TAMPA, Fla. — Are you wondering the best time to hit the road for your Thanksgiving travels? Are you starting from or traveling through Florida?
AAA forecasts in Florida, 2.7 million people will take a road trip. Travel in Florida is forecast by AAA to be the busiest since 2005. Here is information from AAA – The Auto Club Group Florida spokesman Mark Jenkins on the best and worst times to travel:
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Busiest Days to Travel
If you are hitting the road for the holidays, leave early. Travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion Monday-Wednesday afternoon and early evening. Traffic will be lighter during the morning and late evening hours and on Thanksgiving Day.
| Date | Worst travel time | Best travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 11/23/22 | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 8 a.m.; After 8 p.m. |
| Thursday, 11/24/22 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Before 11 a.m.; After 6 p.m. |
| Friday, 11/25/22 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 11 a.m.; After 8 p.m. |
| Saturday, 11/26/22 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 2 p.m.; After 8 p.m. |
| Sunday, 11/27/22 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 11 a.m.; After 8 p.m. |
Gas Prices to Test Record Highs for the Holiday
Pump prices are trending higher this month and could set new record highs for the holiday. In Florida, the highest daily average price for Thanksgiving was set back in 2013, at $3.46 per gallon. On Monday, drivers paid an average price of $3.55 per gallon. That’s 20 cents more than what Florida drivers paid last Thanksgiving ($3.35).
“Higher gas prices don’t seem to be enough to stop people from traveling to be with family and friends,” Jenkins said. “We’ve found that when gas prices are high, travelers look to offset the added cost by staying in a less expensive hotel or spending less on shopping and dining out.”
AAA Tip: Travelers can use the free AAA mobile app to compare gas prices, find certified repair shops, and member discounts in your area while traveling.
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AAA Expects to Rescue 411,000 stranded motorists
More than 411,000 drivers will need AAA roadside assistance during the holiday weekend. The most common reasons are for dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA encourages drivers to get a full vehicle inspection before they hit the road to check everything from the tires, oil, air filter and wiper blades.
AAA Tip: AAA has a list of certified mechanics at AAA.com/AutoRepair.
Read: Thanksgiving travel 2022: Money-saving tips to get you over the river and through the woods
AAA Reminds Drivers to ‘Move Over for Me’
With more people sharing the roads, the danger is multiplied for those on the roadside. AAA reminds motorists to slow down and move over for first responders and tow trucks. AAA also asks that drivers extend the same courtesy to people with disabled vehicles.
“We want to make sure all holiday travelers, tow truck drivers and first responders make it home safely this Thanksgiving,” Jenkins said. “Please be courteous and move over for flashing lights, whether it’s a tow truck or a disabled vehicle with its hazard lights on.”
Click here to learn more about The Auto Club Group’s “Move Over for Me” campaign
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