The post-Thanksgiving exodus created a traffic nightmare for millions of Americans returning home after the long holiday weekend. AAA’s prediction of approximately 80 million people hitting the roads leading up to Thanksgiving proved accurate, leading to a massive surge in vehicles on the nation’s highways. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) specifically noted a significant increase in return traffic on the Sunday following the holiday, painting a picture of widespread congestion across the state.
The reality of this prediction hit home hard for many travelers. Take Sophia Ortega and her husband Erick, for example. Driving back to Downey from Sacramento, they encountered significant delays. “The drive was somewhat congested,” Ortega shared, “but with patience, some in-car entertainment, and by avoiding overeating, we managed the journey with our dogs.” Their experience highlights the common challenges of post-holiday travel – long hours behind the wheel and the need for careful planning.
The heavy traffic wasn’t limited to one location. Around 3 p.m. on Sunday, Northbound Highway 99 in California became a parking lot, showcasing the sheer volume of returning holiday travelers. One such traveler, Silva, shared her family’s experience. After enjoying their Thanksgiving celebrations in Chico with her brother, Silva and her family, driving from Los Angeles, found themselves needing a break amidst the traffic snarl. They stopped at the EZ Trip in Madera, a common rest stop along Highway 99, underscoring the widespread impact of the return journey.
The sheer volume of traffic wasn’t limited to personal vehicles. Rental car companies also felt the crunch. Hertz, a major rental car provider, reported a significant surge in car returns on the Monday and Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This influx added even more vehicles to already congested roadways, indicating a domino effect of post-Thanksgiving travel challenges that extended well beyond the immediate holiday period.
The experience of millions of travelers this Thanksgiving highlights the critical need for careful planning and realistic expectations when traveling during peak seasons. Checking traffic conditions before setting out, packing snacks and entertainment, and allowing for extra travel time are key strategies to navigate future holiday journeys smoothly. The chaotic scenes on highways across the country this past weekend serve as a stark reminder to be prepared for potential delays and congestion, particularly when traveling during popular holiday periods.
