With family gatherings, football and turkey, highways can get stuffed with traffic during Thanksgiving weekend. For trips as sweet as pumpkin pie, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is encouraging drivers to plan ahead and take advantage of their travel tools. Tips for stress-free holiday travel include:

Consult WSDOT’s travel times charts, which use historical information to help drivers know before they go.

Check out online tools, including mobile apps, traffic cameras and email alerts.

Check information about traffic, weather and ferry schedules ahead of time.

Follow WSDOT’s social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook for traffic updates.

Pre-program 530 AM and 1610 AM to vehicle radios for highway advisory radio alerts.

Carry chains and other winter driving essentials.

To check current chain and traction requirements, visit the WSDOT passes website or by calling 5-1-1, and watch for highway advisory signs.

Leave extra time for holiday and winter travel, slow down and drive appropriately for conditions.

On the Interstate 405 express toll lanes, travel is free to all on the Thanksgiving holiday, returning to normal toll and HOV requirements from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. Weekends are always free to travel in the lanes.