Little Rock, Arkansas – As the holiday season approaches, Arkansas roads are expected to see heavy traffic along with bustling airports. Families traveling to celebrate Thanksgiving should prepare for crowded highways, unpredictable weather, and other challenges that can turn a simple drive into a stressful experience. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is urging travelers to exercise caution and take advantage of real-time updates to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
“We all want to be able to enjoy the holiday. So, if you are safe out there on the roads, you’re going to be keeping other people safe, and we can all get where we need to go,” said Ellen Coulter, Media Communications Director for ARDOT. Her advice is simple but critical: plan ahead, know what conditions to expect, and give yourself extra time on the road.
Coulter emphasized that the first step before heading out should always be checking road conditions online. “The best thing that you should do before you hit the road anywhere is to check iDriveArkansas.com, that’s our main spot where you’re going to see all the live traffic conditions. And there you can also find a phone number to call, or you can report conditions to that site as well,” she said. This resource provides live updates on traffic flow, accidents, and road closures, giving travelers the information they need to avoid delays.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, meaning more vehicles on the road, longer commutes, and an increased risk of accidents. Coulter likened this to the busy preparations in the kitchen during the holiday. “Around Thanksgiving, there are more drivers on the road, and, like the dinner table, roads are busy; that’s why it’s important to allow extra time and, like cooking for the holiday, to take your time,” she explained.
The unpredictability of Arkansas weather during late November adds another layer of caution. Coulter warned that travelers should expect the unexpected, from rain to winter weather conditions, and plan accordingly. “This is also that kind of iffy time of year where you don’t really know what the weather is going to do, like we could be seeing some winter weather this weekend. You just don’t really know. So just be cautious. Kind of know before you go check, iDrive Arkansas, check the weather, be prepared,” she said.
Even common roadway hazards, such as potholes, require attention during peak travel times. Drivers are encouraged to report any unsafe conditions through ARDOT’s reporting tools. “You can go to iDriveArkansas.com, you can also go to ar.gov, and to our Ask ARDOT portal. You can report a pothole there. It’ll go to a live ARDOT employee who will send that on to the appropriate crew to get it taken care of,” Coulter said.
Winter weather preparedness is equally important. Coulter advised drivers to pack essential items such as blankets, water, and emergency supplies in case they become stranded. “I would just recommend keeping the necessary items in your car in case you do get stranded on the side of the road. And you know, remember, just to try to if you can pull over into a non-busy area, out of completely out of the way of traffic,” she noted. Bridges and overpasses can be especially hazardous in icy conditions, so caution is key.
To reduce travel delays, ARDOT has taken proactive measures. Construction projects that could slow traffic have been temporarily halted for the holiday period. “There will be no active construction zones over the holiday. So, from tonight through Monday morning, there will be no active construction just to help with the peak and holiday travel,” Coulter confirmed. This decision is designed to keep traffic moving and allow travelers to reach their destinations safely and on time.
In summary, ARDOT is urging all drivers to plan ahead, check live traffic updates, be prepared for winter weather, and remain patient while traveling during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year. By taking these precautions, Arkansans can ensure that more time is spent at the dinner table with loved ones rather than stuck in traffic. Safe driving, careful planning, and utilizing ARDOT resources like iDriveArkansas.com can help make this Thanksgiving a memorable and safe holiday for everyone on the road.
