MADISON, Wis. -- Travelers are crowding the highways Wednesday as the Thanksgiving holiday travel begins in earnest.

The American Automobile Association said 38.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home -- an increase of nearly 3 percent from last year.

Officials with AAA estimate that nearly 7 million people will be traveling for Thanksgiving in the five-state Great Lakes region, which includes about 6 million on the road.

Despite increasing prices for hotel rooms, rental cars and airfares, AAA expects airports and highways will be busier than ever.

Drivers will pay an average of $2.31 for a gallon of unleaded gas at stations across Wisconsin, which is higher than prices in neighboring states.

Iowa has the lowest average gas prices at $2.19 a gallon. Minnesota and Indiana's gas prices are slightly higher than Iowa's. Illinois and Michigan are posting prices at $2.27 a gallon.

AAA expects nearly 5 million people to travel by airplane and almost two 2 million by train, bus or another mode of transportation.

For air travelers, the busiest airport days are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Nov. 27.

The Wisconsin State Patrol said it is prepared for the influx of holiday travelers. Lt. Tim Carnahan said that there will be 50 to 75 percent more officers on duty.

Last year over the Thanksgiving holiday, 15 people were killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes, and comparable statistics were found throughout the Midwest. Authorities are urging drivers to be patient when traveling to their destination and to drive safely.

"What we're imploring people to do as they travel our highways is not difficult or complicated," said State Patrol Superintendent David Collins. "If they will just use their safety belts, obey the speed limits and drive sober they will arrive safely at their destination and have countless reasons to be thankful for years to come."

But it won't just be squad cars on the lookout for unsafe drivers. A state airplane that can gauge exact speed will be an eye in the sky for the first time in recent years.

"I can see the cars that are coming at a high rate of speed, I can see cars that are following someone else's tail and I can see the cars that are bobbing and weaving in and out of traffic better than the guys on the ground can," said Gary Helgerson, a trooper and pilot.

Authorities on the ground and in the air said they hope drivers use common sense and make last year's 15 fatalities a thing of the past.

"That's 15 empty spaces at the Thanksgiving table, that's 15 funerals, that's 15 grieving families who will mourn their loss while others celebrate the holidays," Collins said.

"Everybody is in a hurry to get there, 'get-there-itis', and I think that's when we see a spike in fatalities and that's the bottom line. We don't want people getting injured and we don't want people getting killed," Helgerson said.

The State Patrol gave suggestions on things drivers should keep in mind while traveling the highways this holiday.

Officials said that if drivers need to make a cell phone call or check a map, they should pull over at an exit because Interstate roadside pullovers are for emergencies only. They also recommend that drivers make sure cars are in good condition to travel by checking the oil and tire pressure.

Related Resources:

Wisconsin Road Conditions

Wisconsin Roads: (800) 762-3947

U.S. Highways Road Conditions

Get Dane County Airport Information

Delays At Other Airports

Airline Travel Information