TEXAS — A record number of Texans are traveling for Thanksgiving this year. Approximately 90% or 5.3 million people are expected to drive, according to an American Automobile Association (AAA) spokesperson.
Wednesday afternoon and evening are expected to be the busiest travel times, as well as Sunday when people return home.
Gas prices are fairly similar to what they were last year — $2.65 this year versus $2.64 last year. The Texas Department of Transportation said crews are already pretreating the roads to prepare for any ice or hazardous winter conditions, but the forecast looks favorable for travel.
AAA expects to respond to 29,000 roadside calls just this week.
Officials want to remind Texans to stay safe out on the roads and to remember the slow down, move over law. Daniel Armbruster with AAA said about 24 workers die each year from traffic accidents.
“It’s a dangerous job working on the side of the road,” said Armbruster.
The law requires drivers to drive 20 miles under the speed limit or move lanes if there’s an official person on the shoulder, like a tow truck or police officer.