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Monday likely to bring busy Thanksgiving return traffic, AAA says
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles drive in traffic on the 405 Freeway through the Sepulveda Pass on August 25, 2022.
(
Patrick T. Fallon
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AFP via Getty Images
)
Topline:
Increased holiday traffic is projected for Sunday afternoon and evening, and Monday morning’s rush hour may also be busier due to return travelers, according to Automobile Club of Southern California spokesperson Doug Shupe.
When to hit the road: The busiest travel times for the remainder of the Thanksgiving weekend are expected to be 1 p.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. on Sunday, as well as Monday morning. Shupe recommended allotting extra time to get to your destination if you plan to hit the freeway during these times.
How to prepare: Check up on your battery, fluid levels and tire pressure before leaving, Shupe said, and make sure you’re well-rested and buckled up before hitting the road. “Obey the speed limits, and, of course, don't drive intoxicated. Don't drive ‘intexticated,’” Shupe said. “Remember that using those smartphones behind the wheel can be just as deadly as getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.”
How this compares with previous years: 2024 is projected to be a busier Thanksgiving travel season than 2019, the last peak year for travel, according to AAA. About 6.5 million total leisure travelers are expected, with the majority traveling by car. Meanwhile, LAX has projected about 2.2 million people will use the airport during the Thanksgiving travel period.
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