INDIANA— Millions of Hoosiers are hitting the road this week as part of a record-breaking holiday travel season, according to new data from AAA.
Across the United States, an estimated 122.4 million Americans are projected to travel more than 50 miles during the 13-day holiday window (Dec. 20 – Jan. 1). In Indiana alone, 2.9 million residents are expected to participate in the year-end trek, with the vast majority—roughly 2.6 million—choosing to travel by car.
If you haven’t left yet, transportation experts suggest checking your watch before heading out. Data from INRIX, a transportation analytics company, highlights specific windows to avoid the worst of the holiday gridlock:
- Worst Times (Dec. 22 & 23): 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Best Times: Before 10:00 a.m.
Travelers looking for a smoother journey should find relief mid-week; AAA expects minimal traffic on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Safety and Assistance
To manage the influx of vehicles, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) confirmed that the Hoosier Helper Safety Service Patrol will be active throughout the holiday period. These teams provide:
- Traffic control at incident sites.
- Minor medical care at crash locations.
- Limited roadside assistance for stranded motorists.
Drivers in need of assistance can contact a Hoosier Helper by calling 855-INDOT4U (463-6848).
