Thanksgiving Traffic Surge Expected in Myrtle Beach: Essential Tips for Safe Travels

Thanksgiving Traffic in Myrtle Beach: What You Need to Know!

Oh, Myrtle Beach! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s that time of the year when families hit the road to celebrate with their loved ones. This year, it’s expected to be a busy one for travelers across the U.S. according to experts. If you’re gearing up for a trip to the Grand Strand or perhaps planning a weekend getaway, there’s plenty to consider to make your journey as safe and smooth as possible!

Expect Heavy Traffic!

According to AAA, a whopping 71.7 million people are expected to travel by car for the Thanksgiving holiday this year! That’s up from 70.4 million last year! What does this mean for you? Well, brace yourself for some heavy traffic, especially on the roads leading to and from Myrtle Beach.

If you want to avoid the worst of it, you might want to choose Thanksgiving Day itself for your travels. It’s projected to be the best day to hit the road, so avoid those Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons when traffic is likely to be a bit of a nightmare!

Law Enforcement is on the Lookout!

South Carolina Highway Patrol will be on high alert with various traffic checkpoints throughout Horry County from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Dec. 1. They haven’t revealed the exact locations or the number of checkpoints, but rest assured, they’re out there making sure everyone is traveling safely.

In addition, local police departments including Myrtle Beach Police and Conway Police will be patrolling and making announcements on social media about any safety checkpoints that may arise. They’ve even received grants to tackle issues like speeding and impaired driving, so drivers can expect heightened enforcement during this busy holiday season.

Let’s Keep it Safe!

Now, while it’s great that law enforcement is out there keeping an eye on things, your safety really starts with you! Last year alone, there were 1,356 collisions during the Thanksgiving holiday in South Carolina, leading to 11 tragic deaths. Of these, four were due to impaired driving. Hence, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.

• Have a designated driver or use a ride-share app if you plan on drinking.
• Obey speed limits and ensure everyone wears their seat belts.
• Limit those distracting habits—keep your focus on the road!
• Plan your route in advance and let friends or family know your plans.
• Check your car’s engine, oil, and tires before you head out.
• Finally, keep an emergency kit in your car to cover any unexpected situations.

As Lance Cpl. Lena Butler from the Highway Patrol put it, “Be patient, because traffic is really going to be, the roadways are going to be extremely busy.”

Weather Watch!

And while we talk about traffic, we also can’t forget about the weather! There’s a chance of showers on Thanksgiving afternoon and evening, but current forecasts aren’t suggesting heavy rainfall that would cause visibility issues. Just keep an eye out as temperatures may dip below 40 degrees on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, so don’t forget to stock up your emergency kit with supplies to stay warm!

Happy Travels!

So, whether you’re hauling your turkey to Grandma’s house or heading out for some vacation fun, remember to stay safe on the roads and be smart about your travels. Happy Thanksgiving from Myrtle Beach, and safe travels!