AURORA, Ill. – If you’re going somewhere for the Thanksgiving holiday, you’re definitely not alone.
AAA estimates 2.7 million Illinoisans will travel somewhere for Thanksgiving — part of more than 53 million across America.
“2019 was a banner year, but we’re about five percent off of that,” said Molly Hart, AAA spokesperson. “Many people who chose not to travel last year at Thanksgiving out of caution are so anxious to go see their loved ones to celebrate the weekend.”
Hart says the busiest air travel day is Tuesday, while the busiest driving day is Wednesday. Sunday is usually the busiest day for return trips.
Hart says AAA is still crunching the data, so it’s too soon to tell what impact President Biden’s decision to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Spokesperson Molly Hart says overall, the auto club doesn’t otherwise expect gas prices to move too much the rest of the year.
“Here in Illinois, we’ve been hovering over about $3.57 for the last month,” said Hart. “There is a possibility that it might go up a few more cents throughout the holiday season.”
Hart says it’s not fair to compare gas prices to this time last year, since the pandemic meant lower prices caused by lower gas production.
As you might be getting ready to drive somewhere for Thanksgiving, AAA urges getting your car ready for winter. Hart says in addition to getting all parts of your car serviced and inspected, make sure you’re prepared if the worst happens while you’re behind the wheel.
“Make sure you have that emergency kit,” said Hart. “And that emergency kit should include a few extra bottles of water, snacks, extra blankets in case something does happen. You also want to have your cell phone charger, your jumper cables, anything you need to be safe.”
And if you do need to pull over to the side of the road and wait for a tow truck or emergency crews, if possible, Hart says stay in your car and keep your seat belt buckled, in order to avoid an emergency situation becoming worse.
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