When to hit the road to avoid the worst traffic

jacksonville, florida – There could be nearly 6 million people on Florida roads during the holidays. That’s 108,000 more drivers than he was at this time last year. So expect traffic jams, jams and long lines in many places. Give it some more time to get where you need it.

According to AAA, the worst days to drive between now and the start of the new year are Friday, Tuesday, and Wednesday after Christmas, with January 2nd and December 27th being the busiest days of the travel season. .

If you are leaving on Friday, it is best to leave by noon or wait until 7:00 or 8:00 pm.

Antonio Freeman and his family travel to Pompano Beach from Washington, DC and South Carolina. They left home in the middle of the night to avoid the rush.

“By the time you get to this side, things can get busy, so that’s the perfect time to do it. But get there a little early, just after the morning rush. It’s kind of perfect.” ‘ said Freeman.

Traveler Thomas Rowe was en route from Central Florida to North Carolina. At least he was an eight hour drive.

“Leave a little early. Pack some snacks. “Water is good too, because you never know what can happen there. Be safe. Be careful of others who may not have as much experience as you.”

AAA expects about 899,000 drivers across the country to help over the next 11 days with roadside assistance with problems such as flat tires, dead batteries and being locked out of their cars.

AAA also offers a free service to all drivers in certain states, including Florida. This is called Tow-to-Go and is meant to keep as many disabled drivers off the road as possible.

You can call a tow truck and have it driven to a safe location within a 10-mile radius, free of charge. However, this service should be used as a last resort.

All these trips come at a good time for drivers as gas prices continue to drop. The average cost per gallon of regular gasoline in Florida is 25 cents cheaper than it was last Christmas.