Thanksgiving is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year, and with the tough economy many are choosing a road trip instead of taking to the friendly skies. If a road trip to visit family and friends is the plan this long holiday weekend, check out our tips to make sure you get there safely.

• Choose the best time to travel. The latest National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) determined that Thanksgiving Day is actually a more heavily trafficked travel day than the day before. It may help to drive during off-hours to avoid traffic.
  
• Check your wheels. It’s important to make sure your tires are in top shape before you hit the road. Tire pressure drops in colder temperatures, so you may need to fill it up before and even during your trip if you are headed to colder regions. Also, if your tire treads are running uneven or if you see cracks, cuts or bulges, it may be time to invest in new tires. See our buying advice and Ratings of car, truck and winter tires. 
  
• Tune up. Check the fluids, brakes, and oil to make sure your car is in top shape. For more details on key maintenance checks, see our guide to vehicle maintenance. 
  
• Buckle up. During last year’s Thanksgiving season, 389 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes and 55 percent of those people were unbelted. A seat belt is your best defense in a crash. Make sure all passengers are properly securely, front and back; the diligence can save lives. 
  
• Drive safe, alert, and sober. If you plan on having a few drinks during the festivities, make sure you don’t drive; designate a sober driver to take you home. Remember that a big meal can make you tired. Be sure to rest after a meal, driving only when alert. Trade off driving chores on long trips. 
  
• Find your way. A portable navigation device or cell-phone navigator can be a helpful tool to get where you need to go. In particular, traffic services and detour rerouting may be particularly useful for working through holiday traffic. Plus, navigators can guide you to points of interests such as restaurants and gas stations, and even locate nearby emergency services. To find out which GPS is right for you, check out our Ratings and buying advice.

If your travels take you to a snow-belt location, check our winter driving guide for tips on driving during this season.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

—Liza Barth