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AAA predicts at least 109 million travelers will hit the road across the U.S. this year for the Christmas holiday, more than 2.5 million of those from Indiana.
As Hoosiers drive to their holiday destinations, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) urges motorists to plan ahead, travel safely and drive sober as increased traffic is expected starting Saturday, Dec. 20.
“Motorists should expect increased traffic and potential delays as early as this weekend for holiday travel,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “While the weather looks favorable, we still encourage drivers to plan ahead, practice patience and allow for extra travel time. We want everyone to reach their holiday destinations safely.”
AAA expects the busiest travel days to be Saturday, Dec. 20, and the weekend after Christmas, from Friday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 28, with heavier traffic between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on those days. Traffic restrictions related to maintenance or construction should be minimal outside of longer-term projects. Visit 511in.org or download the INDOT TrafficWise app on your mobile device to see current closures and restrictions, view traffic cameras and plan your route.
Buckle Up Phone Down
While just under 7 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
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a timely reminder to never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. From 2019-2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 4,900 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the month of December. 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.
INDOT Hoosier Helpers
The Hoosier Helper Safety Service Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, will be active this holiday season. 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).
Stay Informed
Motorists in Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time via:
Facebook: facebook.com/indianadepartmentoftransportation
X (formerly Twitter): @INDOT
TrafficWise: 511in.org
Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android
