JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you're hitting the road Wednesday to travel for Thanksgiving and you're reading this before 11:00 a.m., you may want to leave now.
It's one of the busiest travel days of the year and nearly 50 million people are expected to be on the road with you over the holiday.
The best time to hit the road Wednesday according to AAA, is before 11 a.m. The worst time is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Right now, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Transportation officials urge you to try some simple tips to drive more safely. FHP Sergeant Dylan Bryan says it's a good idea to put your phone on a "driving mode" so it doesn't notify you while the car is moving. Bryan references a study that finds texting and driving makes you more than 20 times more likely to crash.
The National Safety Council expects more than 500 people could be killed in crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday. Bryan says there are three things to remember: patience while driving, eliminate distractions and do not drive under the influence. He says there will be more DUI enforcements over the holiday.
"We want you to make lasting memories, but we don't want those memories to be your last," Bryan told First Coast News. "What I mean by that is don't drink and drive. And if you see any of those type of driving behaviors, call that in. 'Star-FHP' is the direct call-in to our communications center."
On the First Coast, there has been a number of recent shootings between moving cars. FDOT Spokesperson Jacob Pickering says it's important to think of driving time as "you time" to avoid distractions and a road rage situation.
"Let cold water through your veins," Pickering advised. "That's one of my favorite sayings. Cold water through the veins and a deep breath. Really, drive time should be a relaxing time. It shouldn't be the most stressful part of your day. It's the only part of your day where your phone is not connected to you."