WSU students will drive home in masses on Friday and Saturday for Thanksgiving break and three weeks later for winter break.

Many WSU students are from the west side and will be driving across most of Washington. The drive for many will take around five hours. Driving during the winter can be dangerous especially when it is snowing.

“Be prepared for changing weather conditions and practice putting on tire chains before hitting the road. Real-time travel information is available on WSDOT’s free mobile app, website and shared across a variety of social platforms,” said Christina Werner, assistant public information officer for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

WSDOT has released travel charts predicting when there will be the most traffic on major routes during Thanksgiving weekend. Routes include I-90 from North Bend to Cle Elum, US 2 between Stevens Pass and Skykomish, I-5 from Bellingham to Canadian Border and I-5 from Lacey to Tacoma.

Werner said most construction will be paused over Thanksgiving weekend.

Washington State Patrol is starting emphasis patrols starting Nov. 21 as students drive home. The emphasis patrols will end on Dec. 1. The patrols will be focused on State Route 26.

Students must also remember there are parking restrictions in Pullman’s College Hill district. During WSU breaks, cars cannot park in posted areas Monday to Friday from 2 a.m.—9 a.m. Vehicles that are parked in those areas may be towed.

Pullman Police posted a reminder over X, encouraging Pullman residents to adhere to restrictions designed to help the city facilitate snow removal.

“Lastly, we want everyone to arrive home safe,” Werner said. “Never drive under the influence. Most mountain pass closures are due to people driving too fast or not prepared for inclement weather conditions.