Hitting the roads for the holidays? Heavy traffic is expected on Arizona freeways for Thanksgiving week.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is taking action to keep people safe.
In 2016, according to ADOT, 10 people died in 10 deadly traffic crashes during the holiday weekend on Arizona’s state and local roadways. Impairment was involved in five of those crashes.
Along I-17, the speed limit will be reduced by 10 miles per hour between New River and Sunset Point Rest Area.
Also, over the holiday week, ADOT is strategically staging equipment in three high-traffic holiday corridors: I-17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson and S.R. 87 between Mesa and Payson.
The goal is to minimize travel delays and have faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles.
ADOT says there are simple things you can do to make sure you and your family get to your destination on time and in one piece.
Check out their five tips for traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday:
- Check your vehicle, especially tire pressure and engine fluid levels.
- Get a good night's rest before driving (drowsy driving is a form of impaired driving).
- Avoid peak travel times if possible. Check on highway conditions before traveling.
- Safety first: Pack some patience and don't be an aggressive driver.
- Never drive while impaired. If necessary, make arrangements in advance for a designated driver or driving service.
To stay on top of current traffic conditions, check abc15.com/traffic.
