Malfunction Junction Sure, there’s nonstop traffic jams here right now. But when it’s wider it’ll be better, right? … right? Credit: Photo via Shutterstock

Florida roads are expected to handle a record number of drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday period next week. According to the AAA Auto Club, 4.5 million Floridians will travel over 50 miles for Thanksgiving.

A vast majority of travelers will be driving, but record crowds are also expected at airports. The busiest days to travel will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, along with the Sunday following the holiday, AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said this week.

“We have seen some strong economic indicators that are really driving this forecast, including strong income gains which are expected to boost consumer spending by about 4.5 percent compared to this time last year. People have more money in their pockets. They are more eager to take a trip,” Jenkins said.

Nationally, four of the top six Thanksgiving travel destinations this year — including Miami and Orlando — are in Florida.

“As you can imagine, people are just looking to escape the cold,” Jenkins said, adding that Florida “is the perfect place to do it.”

Gas prices in the state are currently three dollars and 12 cents per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, up six cents from one year ago.

“The worst times to be out on the road are going to be on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, before Thanksgiving. That’s when you are going to have that combination of travelers and commuters, sharing the road together,” Jenkins advised.

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This article appears in Nov 21-27, 2024.