Drivers brace for holiday travel through the Coachella Valley
WHITE WATER, Calif. (KESQ) – Millions of Americans are hitting the road to head home after the Thanksgiving holiday, and this year’s travel rush is proving to be the busiest on record. According to AAA, more than 73 million people nationwide are expected to drive during the holiday travel period, part of a record 81.8 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving.
Traffic congestion was clearly visible across Southern California on Sunday, especially along Interstate 10 near Whitewater in the Coachella Valley, where drivers experienced slow, heavy traffic as the holiday weekend came to a close.
At a rest stop along I-10 West, travelers described long delays and the need for patience on the road.
Lottie Henry, who was traveling back to Orange County after spending Thanksgiving in the desert, said she anticipated traffic but came prepared. Henry and her family drove their electric vehicle and took advantage of hands-free driving technology to ease the stress of stop-and-go traffic. She encouraged other drivers to remain patient as everyone works their way home.
Other drivers faced longer-than-expected delays. Olive Martinez, returning to Los Angeles after a multi-state road trip that included the Grand Canyon, Phoenix, and Monument Valley, said her estimated arrival time had been pushed back by more than an hour and a half. Martinez said while she expected congestion, the extent of the slowdown was surprising. She urged drivers to stay calm and look out for one another, noting how dangerous impatience on the road can be.
Joshua Lee, who was traveling back to Corona after spending time in the desert with friends, said heavy traffic is simply part of life in Southern California, especially during holidays. Lee encouraged drivers not to rush and to follow the rules of the road, stressing that arriving safely is far more important than arriving quickly.
AAA reports that overall Thanksgiving travel is up more than 1.6 million people compared to last year, making this the busiest holiday travel period on record. Sunday is expected to remain the most congested travel day, with heavy traffic continuing into the evening.
Drivers are urged to allow extra time, stay patient, and use caution as they make their way home from the holiday weekend.
