Thanksgiving traffic, checkpoints & more. What to know about Myrtle Beach roads

A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road this Thanksgiving, the single busiest holiday for travel compared to others like Memorial Day and July 4.

AAA predicted nearly 82 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1. Almost 90% of those travelers – roughly 73 million people – are expected to travel by car.

“Historically, we see a lot of visitors and travelers hitting the road, so whenever you see more traffic, you see more collisions, and ultimately, during the holidays, sometimes you see an uptick in traffic deaths,” said South Carolina Highway Patrol Cpl. David Jones. “We’re going to be out in full force, reminding motorists that they need to wear the seat belt, slow down, and if they’re going to celebrate with alcohol, make sure they get a designated driver.”

According to Jones, SCHP saw an increase in Tuesday traffic compared to years past. With all those additional drivers, law enforcement is monitoring traffic closely. For those driving through the Myrtle Beach area this week, here’s what to expect on Grand Strand roads.

Thanksgiving road checkpoints

This week – and around the holidays, in general – drivers can expect increased law enforcement presence on Horry County roads

“From now until Sunday night, you should see a large increase of troopers,” Jones said Wednesday. “Every trooper in the state that has a uniform is going to be out working.”

Although Jones was unaware of any planned SCHP safety checkpoints in Horry County, that could change.

“Those (checkpoints), historically, can happen at a moment’s notice,” Jones said. “If a shift gets together and they decide to do it tonight, they may do that.”

Earlier this month, the Horry County Police Department announced it was conducting safety checkpoints to deter unsafe activity, including speeding and driving under the influence, and ensure drivers have proper documentation, like a license and proof of insurance, throughout November.

Drivers at these checkpoints should expect an interaction with an officer. However, the county may not conduct safety checkpoints during Thanksgiving week.

“I’ve not been given the specific date and time or place to public notice, so at the moment, I don’t think there’s going to be any,” Horry County spokesperson Thomas Bell said. “What I can say, though, is I think folks will definitely see … Highway Patrol and other jurisdictions. They’ll see officers on patrol and out there just making sure folks get to their destination safely, as they would with any of the busier travel stretches of the year.”

On the municipal level, representatives for Conway, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach confirmed the cities and town don’t have any traffic checkpoints planned through this weekend, though drivers will see increased patrolling.

The best and worst times for Thanksgiving travel

Drivers who want to avoid traffic should consider traveling on Turkey Day itself. According to transportation data and insight company INRIX Inc, Thanksgiving Day is expected to bring minimal travel impacts.

Friday through Sunday, INRIX predicts the best time to travel will be before 11 a.m. On Monday, drivers may want to leave later, as lighter traffic is expected after 8 p.m.

The worst, most congested travel times are projected to be 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday and 12 to 8 p.m. on Monday.

Safety reminders

Regardless of the day and time, driving responsibly and taking safety precautions in traffic can help save lives this Thanksgiving.

Law enforcement advises:

• Designating a driver or using a ride-share app if consuming alcohol
• Obeying speed limits
• Wearing a seat belt and ensuring that children are properly restrained
• Limiting distractions
• Planning routes and letting others know driving plans
• Checking one’s car engine, oil and tires 
• Keeping an emergency kit in one’s car

This story was originally published November 26, 2025 at 1:17 PM.