As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans prepare for the busiest travel period of the year. Allstate has stepped up with vital information and tips to help ensure that everyone travels safely during this holiday season. Their latest Driver Report offers a detailed analysis of driving behaviors specifically linked to Thanksgiving week.
According to the report, Thanksgiving traffic in major cities can surge by as much as 50%, with concerning spikes in risky driving behaviors. Through their Drivewise program, which aggregates driving data from approximately 2 million customers, Allstate reveals trends that can help drivers make better choices on the road. For instance, phone usage while driving has been observed to increase by 10% on Tuesday evenings and Sunday evenings as families head out and return home from holiday gatherings.
Furthermore, speeding incidents peak on Sunday mornings, with an increase of 11% as drivers rush back from the holiday festivities. Midday on Thanksgiving Thursday also sees a 13% rise in hard braking, possibly linked to last-minute errands and increasing local traffic. Allstate’s safety expert, Brian Tidwell, highlights that these distractions and urgent driving practices often result from the hectic nature of holiday travel, underscoring the importance of programs like Drivewise that promote safer driving habits.
To optimize travel plans and avoid potential congestion, Allstate encourages drivers to be aware of peak travel windows. The data shows that evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and late nights between 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. tend to be less congested, making these ideal times to travel. Conversely, the lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. are marked as the busiest throughout the week, with specific congestion spikes recorded on Monday through Wednesday afternoons.
Areas expecting a significant uptick in out-of-state traffic include cities like Phoenix, Jacksonville, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Oklahoma City. With Allstate's Roadside service traditionally seeing an influx of calls immediately before Thanksgiving, it becomes vital for travelers to prepare adequately. Last year recorded a 20% increase in roadside service events on the Monday before Thanksgiving compared to average days. To mitigate waiting times, Allstate encourages the use of their mobile app for quick access to roadside assistance options.
The challenge of winter driving is another concern highlighted in the report. Allstate's claims data shows significant declines in driving safety for certain cities during the late fall and winter months, including Madison, WI, and Anchorage, AK, where respectively, driving safety rankings fell by 128 and 121 spots. This decline can mostly be attributed to cities that are not well-equipped for winter conditions as they typically see an influx of seasonal residents.
Moreover, Allstate provides tools like crash detection in their app, allowing for quick notification and assistance in case of a collision, enabling drivers to request help or initiate claims effortlessly.
To ensure a smoother and stress-free Thanksgiving road trip, here are some handy reminders:
- - Avoid the peak lunch rush from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is consistently one of the worst times to be on the road.
- - Check your vehicle's readiness well before Thanksgiving, with a significant surge in roadside assistance calls noted for dead batteries and flat tires.
- - Utilize Allstate’s smart tools for safer travel. The Allstate app integrates features such as Drivewise, Roadside assistance, and crash detection, all readily available for a safer driving experience.
As Thanksgiving nears, the focus on safety, preparation, and smart driving practices becomes paramount. With the insights provided by Allstate, drivers can approach their holiday travels with confidence and a greater awareness of the risks involved, helping to keep the roads safer for everyone involved.