Local Police Departments want to make sure you make your Thanksgiving Dinner Safely

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – With Thanksgiving season upon us, local law enforcement and transportation officials are stressing the importance of safe travels during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Sarah Burgess, Public Affairs Officer for the Kentucky State Police Post One, talks about the increase in roadway traffic this season.

“So with the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, we are anticipating higher traffic today, tomorrow, and the day after,” Burgess says.

To help ensure a safe journey, Burgess reminded drivers to plan ahead and follow traffic laws.

“We need drivers to remember to give themselves a little extra time to get where they’re going, keep the appropriate reactionary gap between them and the vehicle in front of them, slow down, and be patient with everybody,” she says.

Airports are also seeing a surge in travelers. According to the Transportation Security Administration, this Thanksgiving marks the busiest travel period on record, with 2.8 million people expected to fly on Tuesday, 2.9 million on Wednesday, and over 3 million on Sunday.

On the road, law enforcement is paying special attention to impaired driving, an issue during the holiday season.

“Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving holiday is also one where we’ll see an increase in impaired drivers,” Burgess noted. “We want everybody to have a designated driver and a sober ride home. The best protection against an impaired driver is wearing your seatbelt.”

With colder weather expected, Burgess also tells drivers to be prepared for anything.

Suggesting drivers to carry supplies in your car just in case, like a blanket, flashlight, phone charger, or anything you think you may need if you get stranded in the cold weather.

Whether traveling by car or plane, officials remind everyone to stay focused on safety and to plan ahead for a stress free holiday season.