With 111.93 million people projected to travel 50 miles or more over the upcoming winter holiday season (Dec. 21-Jan. 1), this year's estimates from AAA indicate record breaking travel activity, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers.

With so much travel expected, many are wondering which days will be safest to hit the road this holiday. INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects drivers will experience the worst traffic delays the weekends before Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

The holidays themselves are expected to have minimal congestion. Drivers in Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, DC could see double the typical delays. Nationwide, travel times could be up to 30% longer. 

 “With a near record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, December 22 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute.” 

Safe driving during the busiest season

With an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads during this year-end holiday travel period, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety with the following tips:

• Follow Posted Speed Limits: While it’s tempting to speed to save time, the facts don’t support it. Even minor increases in speed can make crashes deadly.
  • Driving 80 mph instead of 75 mph over 100 miles saves only 5 minutes, hardly worth the risk.
  • Speeding may feel faster but often leads to tragedy.
     
• Drive Only When Alert and Refreshed: Driving on 4-5 hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication). Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles.
  • Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives.
  • Steer clear of heavy meals, drowsy medications, and alcohol.
  • For long trips, take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Use these breaks to switch drivers if possible, or park at a safe location and nap for 20-30 minutes to recharge.
     
• Slow Down, Move Over: A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S. To help prevent these tragedies, AAA asks drives to Slow Down, Move Over.
  • When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed.
  • If possible, change lanes to give those crews room to do their jobs safely.
  • All 50 states and the District of Columbia have Move Over laws in place.
     

Going somewhere this holiday? Make sure your AAA Membership covers your mileage wherever the season takes you this year. Upgrade today. 

Upgrade Now