LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – The Thanksgiving rush is underway across Texas, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicting this year could break records for holiday travelers.
More than 5.8 million people are expected to travel by road and air ahead of Thanksgiving, creating busy conditions at airports and on highways statewide.
Brian Hamrick, a traveler flying out of Dallas, said arriving early helped him navigate the increased holiday traffic.
“Flying out of Dallas and getting to the airport is always a mess, even that we left at 5 in the morning,” Hamrick said. “There’s a little extra traffic that we noticed, but we beat the rush. We got on our flight in a timely manner and took off when we were supposed to so no issues yet.”
Airports are not the only transportation hubs feeling holiday pressure. AAA says the surge in road travel could be contributing to rising gas prices in Texas, even as nearly 30 other states see their lowest prices since the pandemic.
In Laredo, drivers are paying about 20 cents more per gallon compared to this time last year. Regular unleaded is around $2.71 per gallon, and diesel is sitting near $3.45, more than 30 cents above last year’s average.
DPS increases patrols for holiday enforcement
Texas Department of Public Safety officials say gas prices are not the only concern during the holiday season. The agency reports the holiday season often brings an increase in drinking and driving incidents.
Starting now through December 1, DPS troopers will increase patrols on city streets and interstate highways.
“We have an expectation that there is going to be a lot of people driving around the city, but were also expecting a high volume of traffic on our interstate,” said Sergeant Erick Estrada with Texas DPS. “IH-35 always gets packed going north and south bound. We’re going to be out there patrolling not only state highways but also here in the city helping our local partners.”
TxDOT warns of drunk driving risks
The Texas Department of Transportation says holiday gatherings tend to lead to more alcohol consumption, which can result in dangerous decisions behind the wheel. Officials remind drivers that finding a safe ride home is always the better and cheaper option.
“Last year during the holiday period in Laredo, we had 14 driving under the influence traffic related crashes,” said Raul Leal with TxDOT. “The numbers they seem low but in reality they don’t indicate the risk that is out there on the road caused by people who decide to drink and drive.”
Customs and Border Patrol also advises that long wait times are expected at border crossings, with delays anticipated when crossing the Laredo border.
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