(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana drivers are being urged to plan ahead and drive sober as holiday travel ramps up across the state.
AAA predicts more than 109 million people will travel nationwide for Christmas this year, including more than 2.5 million Hoosiers. Transportation officials say heavier traffic is expected to begin this weekend, with the busiest travel days falling on Saturday, December 20, and the weekend after Christmas.
Drivers should expect the most congestion between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., though construction-related restrictions are expected to be limited. Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions and traffic delays through 511in.org or the INDOT TrafficWise app.
Safety officials are also reminding drivers to buckle up and put phones away. While only a small percentage of Indiana drivers skip seatbelts, unrestrained motorists account for nearly half of passenger vehicle fatalities. Texting while driving increases crash risk by fifty percent. December is also National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Federal data show more than 4,900 people died in drunk-driving crashes nationwide during December between 2019 and 2023. Drivers are urged to plan a sober ride before heading out.
INDOT's Hoosier Helper Safety Service Patrol will be active during the holiday travel period, offering assistance on major interstates, including help with crashes, traffic control, and minor roadside issues. Motorists are reminded to slow down, allow extra travel time, and make safe choices to ensure everyone reaches their holiday destinations safely.