Thanksgiving is a time when Americans travel over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house.

The increased travel involved not only with the holiday itself, but also the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season, means the increased chance of traffic accidents.

In Minnesota, an average of 625 people die in crashes every year. Most of these crashes are the result of human error, according to the Office of Traffic Safety, Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

We urge motorists as they head out to apply and maintain safe driving behaviors on the road.

It’s important that motorists not let their guard down. Take breaks as necessary to remain alert. While driving, please focus only on the road. If you need to attend to another matter while driving (cell phones, kids, application of cosmetics, etc.) safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop.

Drive at safe speeds as more vehicles take to the road. Include enough time to avoid traffic congestion and the urge to speed. Avoid cutting in front of other vehicles as you may create an emergency braking situation for others around you, especially in heavy traffic.

Avoid aggressive drivers and driving aggressively. Speeding, running red lights and stop signs, making frequent lane changes and tailgating can create dangerous and potentially fatal situations on the road.

Avoid squeeze play. Be careful of trucks and buses making wide right turns. If you try to get in between the truck and the curb, you could be caught in a squeeze and suffer a serious accident.

And don’t forget that everyone in the vehicle should be properly belted in. It’s estimated that in Minnesota, increasing seat belt use from the current 74 percent to 100 percent would save over 100 lives per year.

And never drink and drive. That one doesn’t need much explanation.

Drive safely this weekend and plan to arrive at your destination alive &045; and return home for the long holiday weekend the same way.

For that, everyone will be thankful.