OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — AAA predicts that greater than 480,000 Oklahomans will probably be among the many 55.4 million Americans who will journey 50 miles or extra away from home over the 2023 Thanksgiving vacation weekend with a rise of 1.1% in comparison with the earlier 12 months for Oklahoma Thanksgiving journey quantity.
According to AAA, it’s according to most journey holidays, 9 in 10 vacationers – or about 442,000 Oklahomans – will probably be driving to their Thanksgiving vacation locations. The variety of street vacationers is barely greater than final 12 months. In addition, these drivers will really feel much less ache on the pumps throughout their street journey fill-ups.
Rylie Fletcher, spokesperson for AAA Oklahoma, mentioned, “The good news is gas prices are lower than last year in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, giving Americans a little extra money to spend on travel and motivating millions to take road trips. For Oklahomans, the news is even better at more than 40 cents less than the national average.”
AAA has a wide range of sources to assist motorists save on gas:
- Fuel Price Finder ( locates the bottom gas worth in your space.
- AAA Gas Cost Calculator ( helps finances journey bills.
- TripTik Mobile ( plots gas costs alongside your journey route.
According to INRIX, the busiest day on the street through the Thanksgiving vacation interval will probably be Wednesday, November 22. It is advisable that vacationers ought to go away within the morning or after 6 pm to keep away from the heaviest vacation congestion.
Flights and airports will probably be packed this vacation season. AAA is projecting about 32,000 Oklahoma residents will take to the skies over the Thanksgiving journey interval, representing a 3.7% leap in comparison with 2022. Nationwide, 4.7 million Americans will journey by air for Thanksgiving.
Tuesday and Wednesday earlier than Thanksgiving are the busiest air journey days forward of the vacation and the costliest. AAA knowledge exhibits Monday can also be a preferred day to fly again after Thanksgiving.
“If you’re flying this Thanksgiving, airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” Fletcher suggests. “Anticipate longer than usual TSA lines, and leave extra time to navigate through the airport. If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if your flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”
Below are AAA suggestions for winter car upkeep
- Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or an answer of baking soda and water. Even at 32 levels, a battery is 35% weaker. At zero levels, a automotive’s battery loses about 60% of its energy, but the engine wants about twice as a lot energy to start out. If your battery is three years or older, have it checked by knowledgeable to make sure it’s sturdy sufficient to face chilly climate. AAA members can request a go to from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will take a look at their battery and exchange it on-site, if crucial.
- Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven carrying and cupping. Check tire pressures as soon as a month when tires are chilly, earlier than driving any distance.
- Engine: Have any engine drivability issues corrected at an excellent restore store. Symptoms like arduous begins, tough idling, stalling or diminished energy may sign an issue that may be exacerbated by chilly climate. Engine hoses and belts needs to be inspected for put on or cracking.
- Fluids: Important system fluids akin to engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluids needs to be checked and adjusted at advisable intervals.
- Exhaust: Have your mechanic verify the exhaust system for leaks and search for any holes within the trunk and floorboards.
- Brakes: Inspect brakes as advisable in your proprietor’s guide, or sooner in the event you discover pulsations, pulling, noises whereas braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake issues promptly.
- Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to struggle snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice scraper.
- Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and exchange burned-out bulbs. Clean street grime or clouding from all lenses.
AAA recommends everybody pack a car emergency equipment.
According to AAA, greater than 40% of motorists don’t carry an emergency equipment of their car.
An emergency equipment ought to embrace:
- Fully charged cell phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and vital cellphone numbers together with household and emergency companies in addition to a automotive charger
- Bottled water
- First-aid equipment
- Non-perishable snacks for each human and pet passengers
- Bag of abrasive materials (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
- Snow shovel
- Blankets
- Extra heat clothes (coat, gloves, hats, scarves)
- Flashlight with further batteries
- Window washer solvent
- Ice scraper with brush
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Jumper cables
- Waring units (flares or triangles)
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
For extra info, visit AAA.com.
