PENSACOLA, Florida – With Thanksgiving travel fast approaching, Florida Panhandle officials are reminding drivers to prepare vehicles now for the busy holiday season. From Pensacola to Tallahassee, motorists are being encouraged to complete basic maintenance and pack emergency supplies before longer drives and cooler temperatures arrive later this month.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, early November is the best time to check tire pressure, replace wiper blades, and inspect batteries. While snow is rare along the Gulf Coast, chilly nights, dense fog, and early-morning frost can still create hazardous conditions for travelers. Officials recommend keeping a simple emergency kit in each vehicle — including a flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, and a small blanket.
Drivers planning trips on I-10, U.S. 98, and Highway 231 during the Thanksgiving rush should expect heavy traffic and fluctuating weather between inland and coastal routes. “Even in Florida, fog and wet roads can slow down travel,” an FDOT spokesperson said. “A few minutes of preparation now helps families arrive safely for the holidays.” Motorists are also encouraged to keep gas tanks at least half full and check FL511.com for live traffic and travel alerts.
With one of the year’s busiest travel weeks ahead, FDOT emphasizes that readiness and patience will help ensure safe, smooth Thanksgiving trips across the Florida Panhandle’s highways and scenic coastal roads.
