COLUMBUS, Ohio — Shellie Adkins and her little dog, Penny, made a quick pit stop at a rest area along Interstate 71 just north of Columbus.
"We are coming from Dresden, Ohio going to Michigan to have Thanksgiving with my daughter and her family," Adkins said.
She is one of 1.9 million Ohioans AAA estimates who will drive to and from their holiday destinations between Wednesday and late Sunday night. AAA believes the COVID-19 effect still applies.
"Where people have this pent-up desire to travel, and Thanksgiving is always kind of a special holiday," AAA spokesman Bill Purpura said.
A high number of Ohio State Highway Patrol Officers will be out there as well.
"We're going to have our troopers out in full force with high visibility along the interstates to make sure travelers are getting to their destinations safely," Sergeant Bridget Matt said.
Adkins witnessed that firsthand.
"We've seen four staties already, and we've only been on the road an hour, so," she said.
Troopers are focusing on seatbelt use as well as distracted and impaired driving. OSHP hopes to prevent a repeat of last year when 19 people died in crashes over the five-day Thanksgiving travel period.
"Eleven of those were unbelted when there was a seatbelt available," Sgt. Matt said.
OSHP also said alcohol and/or drugs were linked to 12 of the deadly crashes last year.
Bill Purpura with AAA said to drive for the weather and don't rush.
"The biggest thing is just take your time and be kind to your fellow travelers."
That rings true for Adkins as well.
"Just safety. Just watch out for others," Adkins said. "Be careful."