Traffic sucks, it's one of the few downsides to the world of cars we love. Most of us try avoid it, it's wasted time that could be used better, and it can lead to some pretty funny videos from bored motorists. Sometimes things get serious, like a proper gridlock situation which usually sees people exiting their vehicles to see what's happening up front or to unwind a little so as not to get too worked up and plot murder. Holidays can be even worse than normal, like today, Thanksgiving Day.

AAA reports that this Thanksgiving Day a whopping amount of 48.7 million Americans will travel up to 50 miles to visit family and friends, a 1.9% increase over the figures for 2015. Out of those travellers, an estimated 43.5 million of them will be driving instead of flying, although those figures are also set to be higher than last year. "One million more Americans than last year will carve out time to visit with friends and family this Thanksgiving," AAA President and CEO Marshall Doney said. "Most will travel on the tried and true holiday road trip, thanks to gas prices that are holding at close to $2 per gallon. Others will fly, take the bus or set off on a cruise to celebrate with their loved ones."

Another reason for this higher figure is the gasoline prices. Right now the average national price for a gallon of gasoline is at $2.16, which is 11 cents above last year's price of $2.05, but most drivers will pay the second-cheapest Thanksgiving prices since 2008, when the national average was down at $1.85. While it's possible to manipulate traffic lights, actual traffic is not that easy. You can turn to science to make it better, but there are some traffic apps and GPS systems that can give you the head's up before disaster strikes. Before you leave on that journey to see family you might not want to see anyway, start thinking of excuses now. Failing that, there will be many specials on mind-numbing alcohol - just don't drive drunk.