This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utahns and other residents of the AAA's Mountain West region are expected to hit the roads during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period in numbers not seen since 2007.
According to the AAA's travel survey, released on Friday, more than 3.4 million Mountain West (Utah, Northern California and Nevada) residents will travel 50 miles or more during the four-day holiday weekend. That is an increase of 3.7 percent over Thanksgiving 2013, said AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough.
The rising travel expectations reflect better economic times — or at least the perception that things are improving for the family budget.
"Increased disposable income is spurring an increase in consumer spending," Fairclough stated, adding that, "for Utahns, this post-recession boost and the desire to travel will make this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday a well-deserved celebration to be spent with family and friends."
The AAA survey predicts that car travel will lead the way with more than 2.9 million Mountain West residents hitting the road during the holiday weekend — a 3.6 percent hike over last year.
More than 233,000 people in the region will fly, an increase of 3.9 percent. Another 244,000 are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains, a 3.8 percent boost over 2013.
Nationally, more than 46 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the period, a 4.2 percent increase over this time last year.
AAA warns that inclement weather could dampen the holiday for drivers unprepared. Snowfall, heavy in places, was expected throughout the coming week.
AAA tips for safe travel during winter-like conditions:
— On icy roads, decrease your speed and leave at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
— Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
— Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
— Keep your lights and windshield clean.
— Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
— Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
— Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which tend to freeze first.
— Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks.
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