Millions of Southern California Residents to Travel Over Thanksgiving Weekend

It’s going to be a record year for Thanksgiving road trips in Southern California. This is according to the Automobile Club of Southern California, which says that 3.65 million Southern California residents are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday this year, a 3.1 percent increase compared to 2015. The projected number of travelers this year is the highest since 2007, when the number stood at 3.99 million. About 86 percent of this year’s travelers will drive to their destinations.

More People On the Road

Statewide, nearly 5.9 million residents are expected to travel over Thanksgiving weekend. Slightly more than 5 million Californians are expected to drive to their destinations. Nationwide, 48.7 million travelers are expected this Thanksgiving weekend, a 1.9 percent year-over-year increase and the highest number of U.S. Thanksgiving travelers since 2007, according to AAA.

What’s causing this spike? The Auto Club says the reasons for the increase could be more disposable income, higher wages, lower gas prices and increased consumer confidence. According to a survey of the Auto Club’s travel agents, the top five destinations for Southern California Thanksgiving travelers this year are Las Vegas, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. Las Vegas is also the No.1 destination for the nation, and San Diego is No. 3.

Be Safe On the Road

With the high number of people and vehicles on our roadways, it is important that all of us take the necessary precautions to ensure that our holiday is happy and safe. Here are a few tips from our California car accident lawyers:

• Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Call a cab or get a ride home from a sober friend. If you must stay over the night. But, never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. If you are hosting a party, take the keys away from guests who have been drinking.
• Avoid all distractions when you are on the road. Put away your cell phone and map your route before you hit the road. Avoid other in-car distractions as well.
• Before you embark on your journey, make sure that you’ve had a good night’s rest. Drowsy or fatigued driving can be as dangerous or deadly as drunk driving.
• If you are taking a long road trip, be prepared for inclement weather such as rain, snow or ice. Make sure your car’s tires, brakes and other components are in good working condition.

All of us here at the Newport Beach personal injury law firm of  Bisnar Chase wish you and yours and happy and safe Thanksgiving!