By RYAN SKAITH
St. Joseph Post
Millions of travelers are expected on America's roadways this week in anticipation of Thanksgiving.
Sergeant Shane Hux, with Troop H in St. Joseph, has some simple tips to keep in mind for safe holiday travel, especially if weather becomes an issue. "First and foremost, its always important to plan your trip. This time of year in Missouri, you never know what the weather will hold. Always check the weather forecast along your route."
Hux adds other simple precautions drivers can take are to always obey traffic laws, buckle up, and put your phone down. "We hope that people comply with the state's new hands free law and avoid distractions."
Hux notes that over 100 people lose their lives every year in Missouri due to distracted driving. "Its important to remember there is a law in place that you cannot hold or support a cell phone or other wireless device while you are driving."
Hux recommends purchasing a phone holder for your dash, or having a passenger handle the phone for GPS.
The peak travel days this year for the Thanksgiving holiday are Wednesday, November 27th thru Sunday, December 1st. Hux says, "All available troopers throughout Missouri will be working during the holiday counting period, especially in Northwest Missouri."
AAA estimates 80,000,000 people will travel for Thanksgiving this year.