Over 100 million people expected to hit the roads this holiday season

JACKSON, Tenn. — As millions of people are expected to hit the roads this holiday season, officials want drivers to be prepared for their travels.

“There will be over two million drivers on the Tennessee highways,” TDOT spokeperson Nichole Lawrence said.

AAA estimates over 107 million people will travel more than 50 miles this holiday season.

“Use sense. Common sense,” Madison County Sheriff John Mehr said.

He says his deputies will be out in full force.

“Don’t go out and drink and drive. Don’t use any medication that will impair your driving and end up in jail. We don’t need any new customers there,” Mehr said.

He also says there are some things you should keep in your car when traveling.

“You need to keep first aid kits, and if you are driving to some areas keep blankets and keep water,” Mehr said.

“Beginning Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. and will run through Tuesday Jan. 2 at 6 a.m. We are going to halt all Tennessee lane closures,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence says they hope this will make the drive a little smoother.

TDOT says before you get on the road you can use the Smartway App and it will show you congested spots before you get behind the wheel.

“Be safe, be courteous and think of your brothers and sisters and where you want to go. And think about the life you may save may be your life,” Mehr said.

AAA says they are expecting more Tennesseans to hit the roads this year than ever before.