SANFORD, Fla. — Millions across the country are gearing up for the busiest travel period of the year.

This year, AAA is projecting that there will be 4.2 million Floridians traveling by car for Thanksgiving, which is up by 2% compared to last year.

Florida Highway Patrol officials say this is because people are changing their plans following recent airline disruptions caused by the government shutdown.

As officials brace for the upcoming travel period, safety remains top of mind.

What You Need To Know

4.2 million Floridians expected to hit the road during busy Thanksgiving travel period this year

FHP says there will likely be more travelers on the road because people are changing their plans following recent airline disruptions caused by the government shutdown

FDOT and FHP officials are reminding drivers to keep safety top of mind this next week

Busiest travel days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving

FDOT officials are reminding drivers to avoid any distractions and to be prepared.

“Buckle up every time you get behind the wheel. Make sure that you are avoiding distractions. You don’t need to look at your text messages while you’re driving. You can wait until you stop, until you pull over at the next rest area,” FDOT District 5 Public Information Director Cindi Lane said.

Lane said distracted driving attributed to 43% of last year’s road fatalities.

In the event of a roadside emergency, whether it’s an accident or a flat-tire, drivers are being reminded to call the *FHP or *347 number for roadside assistance.

Road Ranger Program Manager Garrett Popovich warned, “Be prepared. You’re going to encounter traffic. There’s no way around that. Plan your trip. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel — your tires are properly inflated.”

Meanwhile, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase the number of state troopers on the roads to keep an eye out for reckless drivers.

“The number one cause of crashes and fatalities here in Florida is reckless driving, so that’s making sure that you put that GPS in before you start driving. Give yourself plenty of time before you hit the road so that you have that extra buffer of time so you’re not tailgating, you’re not speeding,” FHP Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tara Crescenzi explained.

Crescenzi also urges drivers to call *347 if they see reckless driving on the road.

Troopers expect the busiest road travel days to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.