AAA Predicts Heavy Travel of Christmas/New Year Holiday Period

’Tis the season to travel, and starting next week millions of people will be getting on the road to spend Christmas with family and loved ones.

AAA estimates that this Christmas, over 3.5 million Georgians will journey 50 miles or more away from home between December 23rd to January 2nd.

That’s an increase of nearly 112,000 people over last year and a new record-high for the year-end holiday travel period in Georgia.

Drivers should prepare for delays, particularly in and around major metro areas.

This year, AAA Expects to rescue nearly 899,000 stranded motorists who will need AAA roadside assistance during the 11-day holiday period.

Nationwide, drivers could see travel times increase by 25%, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation analytics and insights.

The most congested days on the road are forecast to be next Friday before Christmas, December 27th and 28th, and on Monday, January 2nd.

If you plan to drive to your destination, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before heading out.

Triple-A spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said the most common reasons for needing a road rescue are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. She said have your vehicle checked out by a certified mechanic before your trip.

However, there are those other last-minute, unexpected road trips where you don’t have time to get the car, truck or RV checked ahead of time.  Waiters said check your brakes, belts and hoses, engine oil, and other fluid levels before getting on the road.

And have an emergency kit on board.

Kits should include a cell phone charger, car battery booster cables, flashlight and extra batteries, emergency flares or reflectors, paper towels and clean rags.

Also, remember to bring first-aid supplies, drinking water, extra medications or prescriptions, and non-perishable snacks for people and pets.

And finally, the holidays can be a stressful time. So, AAA offers these tips to help prevent road rage.  Waiters said to avoid eye contact with an angry motorist and if you feel threatened, call 911 immediately.

AAA reminds motorists to slow down and move over for first responders and tow trucks. And although Georgia law does not currently require it, AAA also urges drivers to move over for people with disabled vehicles.

“Whether it’s a tow truck or a disabled vehicle, when you see flashing lights please move over,” said Waiters. “We want to make sure all holiday travelers, tow truck drivers and first responders make it home safely for the holidays.”