RALEIGH, North Carolina – With Thanksgiving travel approaching, North Carolina officials are encouraging drivers to prepare their vehicles now for winter weather and long holiday drives. From Raleigh to Asheville, transportation leaders say early maintenance and smart packing can help motorists avoid breakdowns and delays once colder air and mountain snow arrive later this month.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, drivers should inspect tires, check batteries, and top off antifreeze before winter sets in. Officials also recommend keeping an emergency kit in every vehicle, including a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, snacks, bottled water, and traction materials such as sand or kitty litter.
Motorists traveling I-40, I-85, and I-26 during Thanksgiving week should prepare for varying conditions — especially through mountain passes or rural stretches with limited services. “Whether you’re heading to the coast or crossing the Blue Ridge, planning ahead is key for safe holiday travel,” a NCDOT spokesperson said. Drivers are advised to keep fuel tanks at least half full, carry extra clothing, and make sure phones are charged before leaving home.
NCDOT recommends checking DriveNC.gov or the 511 system for live traffic, roadwork, and weather updates throughout the season. Officials stress that taking these steps early ensures safer, smoother Thanksgiving travel for families statewide as North Carolina transitions from late fall into the winter driving season.
