Drivers Cope with 40 Mile Backup on Pike

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By Matthew Campbell

Story Published: Nov 25, 2009 at 11:22 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 25, 2009 at 11:22 PM EST

The plan was simple: leave work early and beat the pre-Thanksgiving traffic. That plan ended up backfiring on thousands of drivers this afternoon.

Around 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, a 40 mile backup snared drivers for hours on the Mass Pike.

The clogs started on Route 128 and piled up all the way to Charlton.

The traffic started to clear around 5:30pm.

Those who planned on leaving after the rush hour drive, rather than before it, found themselves driving in rain, but not as much traffic.

"Normally we're used to a lot of traffic when we come home," says Julie Turnquist, who was driving from New York to Connecticut. "It wasn't that bad actually," she says.

To make sure everyone stays safe over the holiday, state police have released some driving tips:

Plan on needing extra time to get to your destination

Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt.

Adjust your speed to road, weather and traffic conditions.

Be sure to leave the proper amount of space between your car and the car in front of you.

Plan regularly scheduled breaks when traveling long distances.

Have an emergency kit prepared in the event your car breaks down,
you get a flat tire, ect.

Don't drink and drive.

Sunday, Nov 29 at 1:05 AM whow wrote ...

Whow a whole 2 1/2 hours that our State servants could not go 105 MPH, ya know their normal unlawful speed they travel. Must of made them very mad and the need for generating revenue went away for that time too..

Thursday, Nov 26 at 12:29 PM matt wrote ...

then why bother to bucle up your kids? might as well let them bounce all over the car.

Wednesday, Nov 25 at 11:33 PM Besty wrote ...

Buckle up your kids and all adults wear a seatbelt if you choose too. Dont let this State rule you! If you are a free human being they have no right to make you put your seatbelt on.

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