Travel officials offer tips for Thanksgiving commutes
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- As Thanksgiving week approaches, safety officials warn drivers about a potential increase in traffic.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with Wednesday and Sunday being the main travel days for drivers.
Triple AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria said drivers should try to hit the road as early as possible.
“It's already mid-morning. You're going to be behind, you know, a lot of the traffic already," he said. You know, it's best if you can pack the car the night before, maybe take coffee on the road and get out first thing in the morning.”
Chabarria said to make sure vehicles are in good shape before hitting the road.
"Check your tire pressure, make sure there's plenty of tread depth left on the life of the tire," he said. "That's not only going to keep you safe, but also make sure you're getting the most fuel economy from your vehicle while you're traveling. Batteries, especially if we get another cold snap over the course of the holiday that can really wreak havoc on your vehicle's battery.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to be aware of work zones, obey all traffic laws and make sure vehicle occupants are wearing a seatbelt. Additionally, the MSHP said Missouri is a hands-free state, and to put the phone down and buckle up.
According to MSHP, there were over 1,600 traffic crashes, with 11 people killed and 571 injuries during its 2025 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.
Sgt. Shane Hux shared multiple safety tips for holiday road trips.
"Pay attention to the weather this time of year in Northwest Missouri, you don't know what's going to happen," he said. "But still, remember, there are construction zones. So you can get on the MoDot Traveler App and be aware of those, you know, lane closures. So there's going to be some congestion. Allow yourself plenty of time. Be patient. Very important for the motorist to be patient out there.”
Hux said children and pets should also be properly restrained inside the vehicle.
"Whether it be in a child restraint system or booster seat or even just in a seatbelt, if they are in a child restraint system or a booster seat, make sure you take their coat off of them and then cover them up with a blanket," he said. "If you have pets inside your vehicles, make sure they are restrained as well in the kennel area away from the driver because we don't want them to be a distraction to the driver that could contribute to a motor vehicle crash."
Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) to assist the public and enforce traffic laws.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line 800-525-5555 or *55 if they witness criminal activity, reckless driving or experience an emergency. The phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.
