OC Sheriff offers Thanksgiving Travel and Black Friday Tips

With the busiest travel day of the year for motorists this Wednesday and the busiest shopping day of the year this Friday, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to stay safe during the Thanksgiving holiday. AAA is reporting that over 46 million people will travel either by road, rail or air to visit their family and friends for Thanksgiving, with Wednesday being the day in which the most traffic is anticipated. Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt gives details. “There are a few things you can do before you travel, especially by automobile this week. First, make sure you vehicle is ready for travel, by making sure that your tires are properly inflated and all your vehicle fluids are full. Second, plan out your trip and make sure that you know what your route is going to be. Once you are on the roads, try to leave as early as you can on Wednesday. Traffic volume will increase as the day goes along, with the peak travel time between noon and 7pm, especially along the interstates and main highways. Also, anticipate an increased law enforcement presence and with the increased traffic volume, the potential for accidents goes up. Finally, be patient. Many people will be using the same roads you do so be courteous.” In regards to shopping on Black Friday, many retailers will be opening their stores on Thanksgiving Day, not just early Friday morning. The potential for theft will be heightened, so vigilance is of the upmost importance. Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw offers the following safety tips to increase your safety and decrease your chances of becoming a victim of a crime. “Don’t buy more than you can carry. Bring along a friend to help, or ask an employee or another shopper for assistance when carrying packages to your car. Shop with only one credit card. It simplifies canceling purchases. Credit cards are considered generally safer than debit cards, especially when shopping online. Never leave your purse, wallet or phone unattended. Deter pickpockets by holding these items close to your person. Have your keys in hand when approaching your car, and remember to check the backseat before getting in. Have a plan for meeting at a pre-designated area in case you become separated from your children. Put purchases in the trunk if making multiple stops. Notify law enforcement or a store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. Obey the laws by driving the speed limit, stopping at stop signs and not parking in handicap spots. Be mindful of pedestrians, especially children.” The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office plans to have an increased presence in the shopping centers throughout the weekend.