If you’re planning on driving somewhere this Memorial Day weekend, you might want to reconsider your travel plans.
Even with climbing gas prices all across the country, the American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that nearly 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home between May 21st and May 25th. If this estimation becomes reality, then this number will set a new Memorial Day weekend travel record.
In a recent interview with a KOMU 8 reporter, the AAA spokesperson Carly McKinnis explained that “Air travel is definitely cheaper this year, so that is boosting things. But also we are expecting a pretty huge number of drivers.” This upcoming weekend, AAA expects nearly 39.1 million people to be sharing the road, a considerable uptick from previous years. AAA expects for the heaviest traffic to happen Thursday and Friday afternoons, as well as on Monday afternoon as travelers return home.
When asked why so many still choose to travel by car, McKinnis noted how many people across America are refusing to give up on leisure travel, even with staggering gas prices. “They are making changes in their everyday life, trying to stretch that gallon of gas as far as they can.” McKinnis said. “But so far, people are still prioritizing leisure travel.”
In these times when the roads will be especially full, AAA reminds drivers that they should always remember to plan their routes ahead of time, remember to drive sober, and double-check that car batteries are still working optimally. “We see dead batteries being a huge problem in the summer months,” McKinnis said. “You definitely want to make sure that your battery is in good shape before you head out.”
