Busiest travel day for Thanksgiving holiday falls on rainy ‘Blackout Wednesday’

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rain is coming down on the day before Thanksgiving — a busy travel day, and one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year.

According to AAA Northeast, “Blackout Wednesday” is expected to be the busiest travel day for the holiday.

AAA projects average travel times can be as high as 80% over normal.

The holiday weekend is already one of the deadliest of the year on the road, with so many more drivers, and an increase in drinking and driving.

Officials said the best time to head out by car is early in the morning or after 6 p.m. when there aren’t as many cars on the road.

Rhode Island State Police and other local authorities held a press conference Tuesday on safe holiday travel practices.

Law enforcement officials said there have been 67 deadly crashes on Rhode Island roads this year, up from 45 last year. In two thirds of those crashes, the victims were not wearing seat belts.

State and municipal police departments will be watching the roads for impaired and distracted drivers.

They said people should make a plan before they head out to celebrate the holidays, including choosing a designated driver or using rideshare services.