Planning a road trip in 2023? You’ll want to steer clear of certain dates to avoid traffic congestion and travel hiccups. This article will shed light on the worst days to hit the road, based on historical data and expert predictions.
Understanding the worst days to travel by car 2023 can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure a smoother journey. Whether it’s holiday rush or weekend getaway chaos, we’ve got you covered. Buckle up as we navigate the calendar to help you plan your travel in 2023.
Worst Days to Travel by Car 2023
Evaluating the trending traffic patterns of the previous years, some worst days to travel by car 2023 stand out as particularly inconvenient for road travel. They relate largely to major celebrations and adverse weather conditions that escalate the traffic volume and cause potential delays.
January and New Year’s Traffic
Road travel in January sees a surge primarily due to the New Year’s holiday. According to the report of the American Automobile Association (AAA), it’s estimated that New Year’s Day of 2023 could have a 27% increase in traffic compared to a regular day, especially on the highways leading to popular destinations. Travelers may also encounter severe weather conditions such as snow and ice in some regions, magnifying travel difficulties.
July and Independence Day Rush
July carries the brunt of the Independence Day rush. Data from AAA reveals that approximately 48.9 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles for Fourth of July festivities in 2022, and it predicts a similar or even larger number for 2023. Traffic jams are expected to peak between 1 PM and 5 PM on July 4, so it’s recommended to travel outside these hours.
November and Thanksgiving Getaways
Thanksgiving in November notoriously attracts one of the highest road traffic volumes of the year. Based on historic data, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest travel day, rivaled only by the following Sunday. In 2023, it’s forecasted that these traveling patterns will persist, making November 22 and November 26 particularly challenging for road travel.
Tips for Avoiding Traffic on Peak Days
Navigating through peak days can become a breeze with thoughtful planning and smart strategies. Let’s dive into some beneficial tips.
Best Times to Travel
Most road trips commence early to evade traffic, but this strategy often backfires on peak days. For instance, morning hours on New Year’s Day may see a 27% traffic increase. Instead, starting the journey in late afternoons can be a more effective choice, as the traffic rush typically decreases by this time. Traveling on days such as Thanksgiving can also be more manageable late at night, as traffic usually thins out by then.
Alternative Routes and Transportation
Besides scheduling travel times, exploring other routes can be equally beneficial in ensuring a smooth trip. Secondary roads often become less burdened on peak days like Independence day and can provide a less stressful journey. On high traffic volume days, using public transport, if available, can prove to be a smarter choice. For example, for vicinity travel, using city trains or buses, can help avoid the gridlocked roads around Thanksgiving.
Expert Predictions
When it comes to hitting the road and predicting worst days to travel by car 2023, it’s all about timing and preparedness. Steering clear of high-traffic days like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving can make a world of difference in your travel experience. Coupled with smart strategies such as late afternoon departures and exploring alternate routes, you’ll be able to bypass the worst of the congestion.
Safety remains paramount, regardless of when you choose to travel. From conducting a thorough pre-trip vehicle check to maintaining safe distances on the road, every precaution ensures a smoother journey.