AAA says to expect troopers every 20 miles on I-40 for 'Thanksgiving Challenge'

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), law enforcement will be out in full force next week on a major local highway.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will take part in the Thanksgiving 1-40 Challenge -- a joint operation among seven other states along the 1-40 corridor. Starting Wednesday, November 27, troopers will be placed every 20 miles along the interstate.

In North Carolina over the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday period (11/21/18-11/25/18) there were 3,805 crashes resulting in 22 fatalities and 1,481 injuries.

According to the AAA, the busiest days to travel are the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (on this year, Nov. 28), and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is actually the best day to be on the roads, with the fewest fellow travelers.

The organization recommends that motorists plan travel around these days if they can.

"Blackout Wednesday"

Also according to AAA, Thanksgiving eve has become a big night for binge drinking, as family and friends return home to reconnect for the holiday.

“Blackout Wednesday, also known as Drinksgiving, can end with deadly consequences, so if you plan on drinking, have a plan,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas Traffic Safety Foundation President. “If you don’t have a designated driver, call a friend or family member, taxi or car share service such as Uber or Lyft, to get you home safely.”

In order to stay safe on the roads late at night, AAA urges motorists to:

• Never drink and drive. Have a designated sober driver in place if you plan to drink.
• Use a ride hailing service such as Uber or Lyft, or a taxi.
• Stay off the roads the night before Thanksgiving if possible.

AAA Carolinas offers simple holiday road survival tips for motorists:

• Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.
• Don’t drive distracted. Put the phone away. Disconnect and drive. Avoid behaviors such as eating, applying make-up and adjusting the navigation system.
• Keep valuables in the trunk or locked area.
• Have your roadside assistance contact information on hand in case an incident occurs on the road.
• Keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times, in case of emergency.
• Obey traffic safety laws: Wear your seatbelt. Don’t speed. Drive according to the weather and road conditions.
• With an increase in traffic, expect delays and incidents on the side of the road. Obey the Move Over Law.
• Be patient. Understand that everyone is in a hurry to get to their destination. Use turn signals, give drivers space, and avoid road rage.