(Statewide) – AAA predicts at least 73 million travelers hitting the road this year for the Thanksgiving holiday, nearly two million of those from Indiana.
As Hoosiers embark on holiday travels, INDOT urges drivers to travel safely and plan ahead, as increased traffic is expected across the state starting Tuesday afternoon.
“Motorists should be aware of increased traffic and potential delays early this week,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “We encourage drivers to leave early, practice patience, and allow extra travel time throughout the holiday season. We want everyone to make it to their destination safely.”
Beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 26, INDOT will lift existing road closures and restrictions on state highways, U.S. routes and interstates where it is safe to do so.
Longer-term closures for ongoing construction projects will remain in place.
Visit 511in.org or download the TrafficWise app on your mobile device to see current closures and restrictions, view traffic cameras, and plan your route.
INDOT construction and maintenance activities will resume Monday morning, December 1.
Buckle Up Phone Down
While just under seven percent of Indiana drivers don’t wear their seatbelts, they account for 45% of passenger car fatalities, and texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 50%. Buckling up and putting the phone down are two simple actions drivers and their passengers can take 100% of the time, not just during holiday travels, to prevent crashes – or survive if one occurs.
Drive Sober
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 850 people died in drunk-driving crashes from 2019 to 2023, representing more than one-third of all fatal crashes during that holiday period. It is never safe to drink and drive. Make a plan to use a rideshare, designate a sober driver or use public transit so everyone makes it home safely from your holiday gathering.
INDOT Hoosier Helpers
The Hoosier Helper Safety Service Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, will be active Monday through Wednesday and on Friday the week of Thanksgiving. The purpose of the program is to help keep interstates safe, provide traffic control and minor medical care at crash sites, and offer limited roadside assistance like changing a tire.
Since 1991, INDOT Hoosier Helpers have assisted more than 400,000 motorists, driven more than 20 million miles and responded to over 1.2 million incidents statewide. Hoosier Helpers cover 177 miles of interstate in central, northwest and southern Indiana, including the Indianapolis and Louisville metropolitan areas and Gary. Drivers in need of assistance from a Hoosier Helper should contact INDOT Customer Service at 855-INDOT4U (463-6848).
“We are thankful for the services Hoosier Helpers and all INDOT employees provide, especially during this busy time of year,” Quist said. “I hope all Hoosiers have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with friends and family. Please remember to drive safely and plan ahead for holiday travel.”
(Indiana Department of Transportation press release)
