More than 16.5 million Californians are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the 13-day year-end holiday period from December 20 through January 1, an increase of more than 445,000 travelers compared with last year. Nationwide, AAA projects 122.4 million people will travel during that time, a 2.2% increase that surpasses the previous record set in 2024.

AAA urges travelers to prioritize safety during the busy holiday season. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and drivers are encouraged to plan safe rides home, stay alert, buckle up, and pull over if fatigue sets in. Motorists are also advised to have their vehicles checked before traveling, as the most common roadside issues include dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks. During last year’s

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