Thanksgiving travel is expected to set a new record with AAA predicting nearly 80 million travelers will head 50 miles or more away from home. The majority of travelers, nearly 72 million, will take road trips, and AAA reminds drivers to have their vehicles looked over by a certified mechanic to ensure they are road trip ready.

In 2023, AAA responded to more than 20,000 requests for emergency road service across New York State over the Thanksgiving travel period. Towing cars was the top need, followed by battery replacement, then flat tires. The Monday after Thanksgiving was the busiest day for tow requests. This year, AAA expects road service requests to increase by about one to two percent.

Nationally, AAA responded to nearly 560,000 calls for emergency road service over the Thanksgiving travel period in 2023. Towing cars was also the top need nationally, followed by battery replacement, then jump starts.

“The average life for a car battery in New York is three to five years,” said AAA Dispatch Manager Dan Fisher. “AAA encourages drivers to proactively have their battery tested before a road trip if their battery is aging, and AAA is able to provide that service right at a home or business.”

Road trippers will benefit from lower pump prices this Thanksgiving. The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.07 compared to $3.25 one year ago. The New York State average is $3.16, which is 42 cents cheaper than one year ago.

This Thanksgiving, Orlando is the top destination for travelers within the U.S., while New York City ranks 4th. With so many travelers headed to New York, AAA and INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, warn that traffic will be busier than usual with peak congestion on the Long Island Expressway from New York to the Hamptons on Tuesday, November 26 at 4:30 p.m.

Traffic across the state is expected to be busy on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving. After the holiday, Friday morning, Saturday evening, Sunday afternoon, and Monday will also see high traffic volume.

With winter weather in the forecast for parts of the state, AAA reminds drivers to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles including a cell phone charger, warm clothes, blankets, tools, along with snacks and water.

Drivers are encouraged to control their speed, practice safe following distance, and avoid distractions. “As an advocate for traffic safety, AAA is asking everyone to use caution this holiday season,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “With so many people traveling, travelers should pack their patience. The goal is to keep everyone safe and thankful this Thanksgiving.”