AAA: Biggest rush of Thanksgiving travel in nine years

More than 48 million are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, according to new projections released by AAA Mid-Atlantic.

The estimate is the highest volume of travelers since 2007.

In Delaware, more than 132,000 people are expected to travel by car, air, or other forms of transportation. This is a 2.6 percent difference from 2015.

Ken Grant, a spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, says cheaper gas prices may have an impact on this change.

90 percent of travelers are expected to their holiday destinations by car will likely enjoy the lowest gas prices since 2008, according to Grant.

With more cars on the road, travelers are urged to pack more than patience. We’re told first aid kits are also recommended, as AAA also expects to rescue more than 800 motorists in Delaware.

Primary reasons include dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.

“Include a couple of blankets, a flashlight, with some extra batteries, first aid kit, some drinking water, believe it or not…a small shovel with sand, cat litter and traction mats, that’s in case it gets icy, slippery or snowy,”explains Grant.

Officials also note the busiest time to leave for a holiday destination is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, according toll plaza travel counts by DelDot.