With a drop in fuel prices and a slowly improving economy, travel experts expect a significant increase in Thanksgiving holiday travel this year over the past several years. In fact, it's expected to be the busiest since the Great Recession. Many of those heading out of town to Grandma's house for the annual family feast will be traveling by rail, and reports show that the rail industry is preparing.

For instance, Amtrak officials say they're working with municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies across the country to gather intelligence and tweak security accordingly at the company's stations, on its trains and along its tracks. Among the added measures you'll see are uniformed personnel, K9 officers and long guns. Employees all have been given guidance on just what to do during a range of potential happenings including active shooter incidents.

If you plan to travel via train this holiday season, expect longer-than-usual waits and know that this can mean higher levels of stress for everyone. Keep your cool. Be on the lookout for and quickly report any signs of potential danger including unattended luggage or packages. Keep a close eye on your traveling companions, especially children. And follow all posted safety rules.

If you or your dependents suffer an injury or loss while traveling by train this holiday season or throughout the year, report the incident, get medical attention and call 888-519-RAIL to speak with a railroad injury lawyer.

From all of us here at Jacksonville's Rail Justice, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.