Record breaking travel this holiday season

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- AAA expects a record of 107.3 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season.

Nearly four and a half million Ohioans will also be traveling, which is over three and a half percent higher than last year. Zanesville Post Commander Lieutenant Matt Boyd said to make sure to give yourself more time to reach your destination with so many vehicles on the road.

“Plan ahead for travel in case there are delays due to weather or traffic, crashes, and things like that. And remind people that bridges, ramps, and overpasses freeze up first. Just because you may not see ice or snow on the roadway doesn’t mean that it’s not slick,” said Lieutenant Boyd.

The State Highway Patrol will have extra law enforcement out on the streets during the holiday season. This is because of the increase in traffic as well as the possibility of more people driving under the influence.

“If people are going to go out and party [they should] stay where they’re at, get a designated driver, or have a sober friend in your group that’s willing to drive everybody home. There’s no need in risking your life or the life of others. It can quickly turn a fun night with friends into a terrible night that changed the rest of your life,” said Lieutenant Boyd.

“The officers are going to be out there. Please if you drink get a designated driver. I want you to enjoy the holiday season, but I want to to be around for the next season also,” said Zanesville Police Department Lieutenant Chris Rice.

Lieutenant Boyd also advises anyone doing last minute gift shopping to make sure any items are either covered or placed in the trunk to avoid your car being broken into.