AAA expects record-setting travel numbers for Thanksgiving and it’s expected that more than 2 million Alabamians will travel 50 miles or more for the holiday. That’s an all-time high for Thanksgiving and tens of thousands of more travelers than last year.

National travel numbers are also expected to set new records, with an estimated 79.9 million travelers. The 2% growth is 1.7 million more people than the previous year’s record set and 2 million more than in 2019.

With more people sharing the roads, the danger for those on the roadside is multiplied.

Please slow down and move over for first responders, tow trucks and any motorist with a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.

A few adjustments can make an impact, quite possibly preventing another fatality:

— Be aware of other drivers.

— Plan and allow more than enough time to get to the intended destination.

— Always buckle up and make sure everyone in your vehicle does so as well.

— Don’t be a distracted driver — save text messages and other distractions that divert attention away from the road until later.

—  For long trips, assemble emergency supplies to keep in the vehicle, such as a flashlight, chargers, extra batteries and other items.

It also helps to call ahead and let others know your expected arrival time.

Please plan ahead. Take precautions and be on alert on the road during this busy travel period.

Do your part to help ensure that we all make it to our Thanksgiving destinations safely.