Thanksgiving travel expected to increase

ATLANTA – The number of people traveling this Thanksgiving is expected to increase 11.4 percent from a year ago, according to AAA.

“While Americans remain cautious with household budgets and discretionary spending amidst high levels of unemployment, many are in a better financial position this Thanksgiving than a year ago,” AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet said in a news release. “This improvement, along with a strong desire to spend time with friends and family, is expected to propel a significant increase in Thanksgiving travel.”

AAA estimates 42.2 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles from home.

In Georgia, authorities are cracking down of motorists who aren’t wearing seat belts as part of the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign that runs through Thanksgiving weekend.

“Debating whether you can survive a crash without a seatbelt is one family argument no one should have this Thanksgiving,” Bob Dallas, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, said in a news release. “Safety belts should become a part of every family holiday tradition. For safety’s sake, both drivers and their passengers should be buckled-up every trip, every seat, every time.”

During the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 12 people were killed on highways in Georgia, according to the Georgia State Patrol. An additional 730 were injured.

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