According to AAA Michigan more travelers are going to be taking to the roads for the Thanksgiving holiday. Because of the increased traffic and the current deer season, drivers need to use due diligence while driving.

"Last year we estimated that 37.8 million people traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday," Alpena AAA Branch Manager Karen Foco said. "This year we are expecting an increase of travelers by 1.4 percent. We think there has been an increase in consumers confidence and that the worst is over as far as the economy goes, so people feel a little more secure to travel."

Although there will be more vacationers on the roads, Foco said the majority of them will still be staying relatively close to home. She also said that even if your taking a short trip, drivers need to be smart.

"Out of the almost 38 million people we expect to travel, about 34 million of them will be driving 50 miles or less from their homes," Foco said. "Even though most aren't traveling far, it doesn't mean there aren't dangers. Drivers should limit their alcohol consumption, don't speed and watch out for deer. We have had an unusually high amount of car, deer accidents this year."

Sgt. Gale Owen of the Michigan State Police Alpena Post said there are a few simple things drivers can do when taking defensive measures because of a deer in the roadway.

"The deer can come out of the woods and into the streets at any time, day or night," Owen said. "There are hunters in the woods moving around and spooking the deer and they can appear at any time. The driver should never swerve because they can cause more damage to their vehicle or themselves by inadvertently running off the road. You should brake firmly, have your hands tight on the steering wheel and gently try to avoid them."

Owen also said troopers will be on patrol to ensure the state's road are safe, especially from drunk drivers.

"We will be watching for speeders, people who are driving over aggressively, and of course impaired drivers," Owen said. "The number of people who are drinking and driving has really dropped over the years, but there are always a few who take their chances and get caught, but overall people are using more common sense."

One thing the drivers in Michigan should be in the clear of is hazardous weather. The National Weather Service in Gaylord said the holiday is shaping up to be wet, but there shouldn't be any significant snowfall.

"The weather is kind of unsettled right now and we have 2 low pressure systems moving in," meteorologist Jim Keysor said. "The first is going to bring widespread rain showers from Wednesday through Thursday, but the second front could bring a mix of rain and snow. Some areas away from the lake may see all snow, but it isn't going to be any big deal. It shouldn't cause any bad driving conditions. For this time of year it sure could be a lot worse."

Travelers will pay more at the pump this Thanksgiving, as the state averages of Friday was $2.54 a gallon, by comparison the price of regular unleaded gasoline was $1.80 at this time last year.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.