WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Troopers, residents prepare for busy travel weekend

Troopers, residents prepare for busy travel weekend

Posted by Cody Holyoke - bio | email

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - If you're going to Grandmother's house for Thanksgiving, be prepared.

Law enforcement officers will be out in full force, closely watching drivers as traffic thickens.

"Our goal is no crashes, no injuries or fatalities, but we realize--in reality--that's probably not going to happen," explained Sergeant Steve Jarrett.

Some people are already trying to beat the traffic and any travel headaches.

"Any opportunity I have to cut down a 5 hour trip and keep it at 5 hours--I'll take it every time," said Chase Kirkpatrick of Atlanta, Georgia.

Though Wednesday is usually one of the biggest traveling days of the year, don't forget the other forces at work around Montgomery.

Thanksgiving won't be that quiet--at least not until the Turkey Day Classic is over.

The next day a bitter rivalry between the Tide and Tigers is sure to clog the roadways.  Don't forget Black Friday, the shopping frenzy that shares the date.

"I'll just try to stay safe and watch myself and check out all the sales.  See what I can get for the discounted prices, explained Larenzo Frazier of Pine Level.

While some people have to brave the traffic, others want no part of it.

"I'm staying at home," exclaimed Linda Larimore of Montgomery.

"I don't want to be in that traffic. It's too dangerous. I have no reason to be on the road."

Many more people do have a reason.  Troopers say safety is the name of the game.

"Be cautious. Be courteous. Drive defensively, and don't take the act of driving for granted," Jarrett advised.

AAA estimates 38.4 million Americans will drive 50 or more miles over the holiday weekend.

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