HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
This week kicks off the busiest travel season of the year. AAA is predicting a slight increase in the number of people who will hit the road this week for the Thanksgiving holiday.
It says more than 43 million Americans will be behind the wheel and they will travel at least 50 miles from home.
In the Tennessee Valley, Alabama State Troopers are expecting heavy traffic on highways like I-65, that serve as major travel corridors.
They also believe lower gas prices will encourage more people to drive instead of fly.
AAA says gas prices have dropped dramatically over the last month nationwide and those prices are expected to continue to fall through the holiday.
State troopers ask that you have a plan before you get behind the wheel, and that you maintenance your car before you hit the road.
They say they will be out in full force looking for drivers speeding, drinking and driving, following other cars too closely, not buckling up, among other violations.
This year, troopers will be especially cracking down on texting while driving.
"Certainly with traffic as heavy as it will be during the Thanksgiving holiday, we do not want you texting and driving. You take your eyes off the road when you text, which is why some people have dubbed texting and driving as the new DUI," said Trooper Curtis Summerville.
Authorities are also warning you to watch out for drivers using their smart phones for other things. They said people using the internet while driving is another growing problem.
Copyright 2012 WAFF. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WAFF, a Raycom Media Station. 