In anticipation of increased traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding the drivers of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the American Red Cross is offering tips for making your trip safer.
Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 17 people were killed on Ohio’s roadways with 30 percent related to impaired driving. Last year 27 people were killed due to impaired driving between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve Holidays.
“We all share the responsibility of contributing to a safe holiday on Ohio roadways by obeying all traffic laws and never driving impaired,” Colonel John Born, Patrol superintendent, said. “As a member of the motoring public, you can help save lives by reporting unsafe and aggressive drivers to law enforcement.”
Troopers recommend that motorists contact the Patrol by calling #677 to report drug activity or impaired drivers.
More Expected to Travel This Year
AAA expects about 43.6 million Americans, including nearly 1.7 million Ohioans, to travel 50 miles or more from home during the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday weekend; Wednesday, Nov. 21, to Sunday, Nov. 25. This is an increase of 0.7 percent nationwide and 1.2 percent for Ohio from Thanksgiving 2011.
Economy and Travel:
Nationally, this marks the fourth consecutive year of Thanksgiving holiday travel growth since the number of travelers fell by about 25 percent in 2008.
Ohio travel numbers also fell by about 25 percent in 2008 and continued falling in 2009 to reach a decade-low of just under 1.5 million travelers. Then, pent-up travel demand and a gradually improving economy spurred Thanksgiving travel growth in Ohio during 2010 and 2011.
While the Thanksgiving travel volume is expected to grow once again this year, the pace of growth is slower than in the past couple years. This is because much of the pent-up travel demand that developed during the recession has been met and significant economic uncertainty remains. A stronger economy will be needed to spur higher growth levels moving forward.
Modes of Transportation:
Automobile travel will make up about 90 percent of the travel volume with 39.1 million Americans, including more than 1.5 million Ohioans, taking to the road this holiday. This is an increase of 0.6 percent nationally and 1.2 percent in Ohio. Despite high gas prices, automobile travel remains the preferred choice of transportation as it is often more affordable, convenient and flexible.
Air travel is expected to decline for a second straight year, with 3.14 million Americans, including more than 123,000 Ohioans flying this holiday. This is a decrease of 1.7 percent nationally and 1.1 percent in Ohio.
Distance Traveled & Money Spent:
According to a survey of traveler intentions, travelers plan on taking shorter trips this year. Ohio falls in the East North Central (ENC) region, which also includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. ENC travelers plan on journeying an average of 452 miles round trip, compared to 527 miles in 2011.
Median spending is also expected to be lower this year, with ENC region travelers planning on spending an average of $250, compared to $421 in 2011.
Thanksgiving holiday travel is typically less expensive than other holidays because of the emphasis on the holiday meal and gathering of friends and family. It seems ENC travelers are embracing this in 2012, as 71 percent of them will be spending time with friends and relatives, while only 36 percent intend to shop.
Red Cross Offers Tips for Safer Travel
Many people will travel to visit loved ones for the Thanksgiving holiday and the American Red Cross has travel tips holiday travelers can follow to arrive safely at their destination.
ON THE ROAD
To arrive safely, the Red Cross recommends these safety steps for travelers who will drive to visit their loved ones this Thanksgiving:
- Make sure the vehicle is in good working order.
- Start out with a full tank of gas, check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full.
- Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. Designate a driver who won’t drink.
- Be well rested and alert.
- Use caution in work zones.
- Give one’s full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
- Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase the chance of being in a collision.
- Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If the driver is tired, stop and get some rest.
- Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
- Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
- Clean the vehicle’s headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows.
- Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or if using windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
- Don’t overdrive the headlights.
- If car trouble develops, pull off the road as far as possible.
It’s also recommended to keep an emergency preparedness kit in the vehicle. Useful items include water, snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, extra cash and blankets. Red Cross Emergency Preparedness kits are available in the Red Cross Store.
TRAINS, PLANES, BUSES
For people traveling by air, bus or train, the Red Cross reminds them that the seasonal flu can occur as early as October. If people have come in contact with someone who is sick, perhaps the trip should be postponed as they may be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.
Other safety tips to avoid the flu while traveling include the following:
- Remember that everything someone touches has to be touched by someone else – luggage handlers, etc. Handle one’s own belongings as much as possible. Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes and use them to wash hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
- Bring one’s own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
- If someone has to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or sleeve.
- Avoid touching the face or eyes.
For more information on how to remain safe while traveling this Thanksgiving, visit the Red Cross web site.
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