The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and Thanksgiving week is just around the corner. In Georgia, that means millions of people will be hitting the road to reunite with family and friends, share meals, and make new memories. With so much excitement and activity, it’s also one of the busiest travel times of the year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Thanksgiving consistently ranks among the most traveled holidays in the U.S., with road trips making up the majority of journeys. More cars on the road simply means it’s extra important to plan ahead—making sure your vehicle is in good shape, your route is mapped out, and your car insurance is up to date before you start your trip.
Whether you’re navigating Atlanta’s interstates or taking a scenic drive to visit family in Macon, the following tips will help you enjoy the journey and arrive safely this Thanksgiving.
1. Check Your Car Insurance Policy to Make Sure it Meets Georgia’s Required Minimum
Before you load up the car with turkey, pies, and family, take a few minutes to double-check your auto insurance coverage. Georgia law requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. That’s the legal minimum—but is it enough for real-world accidents?
Probably not. Think about what might happen if you had a multi-car collision on I-285. Costs could easily exceed those limits. That’s why it’s smart to review your policy and consider extra coverage options, especially if you’re traveling over long distances or through high-traffic areas this holiday season.
Some add-ons worth considering include:
- Roadside Assistance – A safety net if you get a flat tire, run out of gas, or face a mechanical breakdown.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Helps cover non-collision issues like theft, weather damage, or vandalism.
- Rental Reimbursement – Pays for a rental car if yours is sidelined during your trip.
Updating your policy before you hit the road can save you stress—and money—down the line.
2. Stay Alert and Sober When Driving
Thanksgiving week is one of the most dangerous times of the year for impaired driving. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reported that more than 25% of traffic fatalities in Georgia during Thanksgiving 2023 involved alcohol impairment. And alcohol isn’t the only risk: fatigue, texting, and holiday distractions also play a huge role in crashes.
Staying sharp behind the wheel means making smart choices. That could look like skipping the second glass of wine at dinner, or swapping drivers halfway through a long road trip so no one gets drowsy. It also means putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode so texts and notifications don’t tempt you while navigating busy highways.
If you’re driving this Thanksgiving, keep these reminders in mind:
- Avoid alcohol completely if you plan to drive. Even one drink can impair judgment.
- Take breaks every couple of hours to stretch and reset.
- Rotate drivers if you’re covering a long distance.
- Put the phone down—no message is worth a life.
3. Plan Your Route to and from Your GA Destination in Advance
Holiday traffic in Georgia can be brutal, and Thanksgiving week is no exception. According to AAA’s 2023 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast, nearly 49 million Americans hit the road for the holiday. In Georgia, that means bumper-to-bumper congestion on interstates like I-75, I-20, and I-285.
Planning your route ahead of time can help you avoid some of the stress. Use Georgia 511 or a trusted navigation app to check for construction zones, accidents, or heavy congestion before leaving. Give yourself more time than usual to reach your destination, and build in breaks if you’re traveling with kids or elderly passengers.
Above all, stay flexible. If you can, avoid peak travel windows such as the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving or the Sunday after. Leaving a little earlier—or later—can make the difference between a calm drive and a white-knuckle crawl through traffic.
4. Vehicle Prep Tips
Even the most careful driver can run into trouble if their vehicle isn’t road-ready. Think of your car as your travel partner—it needs just as much prep as you do for the holiday journey.
Before you pull out of the driveway, do a quick pre-trip car maintenance check:
- Check tire pressure and tread depth. Bald or underinflated tires are dangerous, especially in wet weather.
- Inspect your battery. Cold snaps in Georgia can drain older batteries quickly.
- Top off fluids. Oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid are must-haves for smooth travel.
- Pack an emergency kit. Include items like a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, bottled water, flares, and a basic first-aid kit.
- Test your lights and wipers. Visibility is everything during late-night or rainy drives.
This 15-minute check could make the difference between a smooth road trip and a holiday headache.
5. Georgia-Specific Traffic Hotspots
If you’ve ever driven through Atlanta around Thanksgiving, you know that certain stretches of highway are infamous for slowdowns. Being aware of these hotspots gives you a head start on planning.
Here are a few areas to watch out for:
- I-75 through Atlanta and Macon – Heavy traffic and frequent bottlenecks.
- I-20 and I-285 interchanges – Some of the busiest junctions in the state.
- I-95 near Savannah and coastal Georgia – Popular for tourists and holiday travelers heading to the coast.
Before leaving, check Georgia 511 or your favorite navigation app for live updates. Knowing what’s ahead can help you avoid frustration and keep your family’s spirits high.
Safe Driving Beyond Impairment: Distractions, Fatigue & Weather
While impaired driving gets most of the headlines, it’s far from the only danger during Thanksgiving travel. Distracted driving, fatigue, and bad weather also contribute to crashes this time of year. Rain, fog, and even the occasional patch of sleet in northern Georgia can catch drivers off guard. So, what can you do to reduce your risk? Keep reading to find out!
What to Do If You Plan to Drink at Your Thanksgiving Get-Together
Thanksgiving often comes with food, fun, and sometimes a few drinks. The best way to stay safe is to plan your ride before the first sip. Choose a designated driver, schedule a ride share, or arrange for a family member to pick you up. Even one drink can affect your judgment and reaction time, putting you at risk behind the wheel. Having a plan in place ensures you get home safely and stress-free.
Keep in mind that peak travel times—like Thanksgiving evening and the Sunday after—are already the busiest on Georgia’s roads. That makes it even more important to have a safe ride lined up so you’re not navigating crowded highways after drinking. Having a plan in place ensures you get home safely and stress-free.
What to Do If You’re Hosting Thanksgiving This Year
As the host, you can make a big difference in your guests’ safety. Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks, and don’t hesitate to encourage overnight stays or ride shares if someone has been drinking. Keeping taxi numbers or ride apps handy makes it easy to help guests make smart choices without feeling pressured.
What to Do If You Witness Risky Driving
Not every driver will make safe decisions during the holiday rush. If you see someone swerving or driving erratically, give them space and avoid engaging. If needed, pull over safely and call 911. Staying patient and practicing defensive driving helps protect you and your passengers when others take risks on the road.