Combined, the Gator and Outback Bowl stadiums hold a total of 142,534 football fans. With Clemson and Carolina both playing on New Year's Day in the Sunshine State, most of those fans will be from South Carolina.

What has highway safety officials concerned is the number of motorists expected on the state's roads today.

New Year's Eve typically sees travelers moving to celebration sites, but this year the congestion will be increased by the number of football fans traveling to Jacksonville and Tampa.

"We'd ask that fans going down use alternate routes such as Highway 21," SCHP Lance Cpl. Trevor Clinton said. "We're trying to keep some of the traffic off I-95."

Another alternate route includes Highway 321 and, east of I-95, Highway 15.

Whether you're going to a bowl game or a ball-dropping celebration, officials recommend vehicles, along with drivers, be up to the trip.

Are are some New Year's travel safety tips from the S.C. Highway Patrol:

* Have your vehicle checked for the following: brakes, battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, light bulbs.

* Plan your route.

* Take along a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, flares, jumper cables and an ice scraper.

* Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you leave.

* If your vehicle breaks down on the roadway or you have a minor collision, it is vitally important to remove your vehicle from the flow of traffic and off the roadway, if at all possible.

* Never try to get out of your vehicle in the flow of traffic and push the vehicle or look under the hood.

* If you are changing a tire, be mindful of the traffic around you.

Take care of yourself and your family:

* Don't procrastinate on your packing. Be packed and ready to go a day in advance of your travels. Go to bed early the night before to prevent fatigue.

* The Highway Patrol does not recommend driving all night to avoid traffic. Most people will not get the extra sleep in advance of their trip and risk extreme fatigue. Also, drunken driving collisions are greater during the nighttime and early morning hours.

* Try to save rest room/stretching breaks for designated rest areas. If you must stop at a convenience store or other area, be especially careful of your surroundings.

* Do not leave purses, wallets or other belongings visible in the vehicle. Lock your vehicle while you are in or out of it.

* Take the keys and lock your vehicle while pumping gas.

* Never leave children in an unattended vehicle.

* Double check children's car seats. Make sure the seat is attached tightly to the vehicle seat and the harness and straps are on tightly and properly.

* Be aware of the sedating effects of a heavy meal. If you have to travel, try to get in a nap first.

* Don't get competitive on the roadways or when vying for the best parking spot.

You must be logged in to comment.