Alabama roadways are expected to be packed this Thanksgiving week, as AAA projects the highest holiday travel volume ever recorded and safety officials warn that traffic delays and preventable breakdowns could disrupt travel plans for many families.

According to the national forecast from AAA, an estimated 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between November 25 and December 1, marking the busiest Thanksgiving travel period to date. Nearly 90% of those travelers are expected to drive, a trend strengthened by recent disruptions to airline schedules across the country.

Key safety reminders for Alabama drivers come from AAA Alabama spokesperson Clay Ingram. He cautions that traffic will move slower than usual during peak travel times and that heavy congestion increases the chance of crashes.

He also advised travelers to get vehicles inspected by a certified technician before hitting the road, noting that belts, hoses, batteries, and tires are common failure points that can be hard for drivers to evaluate on their own.

Last Thanksgiving, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide. Most emergency calls involved dead batteries, flat tires or empty fuel tanks — problems that can often be prevented with advance preparation, according to the agency’s holiday guidance.

AAA recommends filling the gas tank the night before travel, checking tire pressure and battery condition, and comparing fuel prices among stations to save money during the holiday week.

Although AAA expects around six million Americans to fly this year, driving remains the dominant mode of travel by a wide margin. The agency estimates that more than 73 million travelers will take to the road, a figure that underscores the importance of safe driving and vehicle readiness when highways are crowded.

Congestion is expected to be the heaviest on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and again on Sunday as travelers return home.

Safety tips for Alabama travelers

AAA recommends that drivers:

• Allow extra time and expect slow-moving traffic

• Never drive impaired or fatigued

• Leave space between vehicles to avoid chain-reaction crashes

• Wear a seat belt at all times

• Secure children and luggage before driving and avoid phone use

AAA also says giving yourself time to react is especially important when major Alabama interstates become crowded with holiday travelers.

With millions preparing to travel, a little patience, a roadside-ready vehicle, and responsible driving can help ensure that every Alabama family arrives safely and gets home to give thanks.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].