As millions of people travel the interstates this Thanksgiving, many will encounter patches of traffic at a standstill for no apparent reason — no construction or accident. Researchers say the problem is you.

Traffic at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s bridges and tunnels has returned to pre-pandemic levels, partly due to changes in traveling habits, said Rick Cotton, the agency’s executive director.

New York City toll bridges and tunnels are on pace for the busiest April in at least seven years, adding to evidence that travel is rebounding as pandemic shutdowns ease and the economy starts to regain its footing.

Traffic levels related to freight movement generally have fared better than levels associated with other modes of transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic, but future travel trends remain hard to predict.

Logistics companies including DB Schenker and DSV Panalpina A/S have begun chartering planes to keep U.K. factories supplied with components and avoid snarls in road and sea transport caused by Brexit.

With virus cases surging, hospitals filling up and more U.S. states imposing restrictions, Americans are likely to drive a lot less this Thanksgiving. Only 35% will travel by car this year, down from 65% a year ago, according to survey from retail fuel tracker GasBuddy.

Accident risk lessened as the pandemic eased highway traffic this year. Fleets, however, remain subject to increased litigation and nuclear verdicts. Experts suggest that the wider adaption of advanced technology - including onboard safety systems, in-cab video, and telematics - could not only improve safety but also preserve relevant information in the case of an accident.

Statewide stay-at-home orders prompted by the coronavirus pandemic have resulted in various trends related to traffic volume and safety, according to transportation experts.

Regional planners should balance the interests of freight haulers and local residents as they consider transportation needs, according to experts.

Compliance is essential to how well a fleet operates. Unfortunately, recent statistics show alarming rates in several key areas including traffic law violations, health, and safety. Netradyne is combining artificial intelligence with cameras to tackle compliance through smart data analytics.