WEST QUINCY, Mo. (WGEM) – AAA expects 43.8 million travelers to travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend.
“We haven't seen this amount of travel on Memorial Day weekend in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “We are expecting one million more travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we are surpassing pre-pandemic levels, but also heralds a very busy summer travel season ahead.”
Local police are urging drivers to be careful on the roads this Memorial Day weekend.
Quincy Police Pro-Act Officer Amber Haistings said the department will be holding additional patrols this weekend.
According to her, it is important that drivers are prepared before hitting the road. This includes inspecting your car's tire pressure and checking the oil. She said it's also a good idea to carry extra food and blankets in case of an emergency on the road.
As in previous years, most vacationers will travel by car – more than 38 million of them, according to AAA. The organization advises motorists wanting to avoid the worst traffic jams to leave metropolitan areas early Thursday and Friday and to stay off the roads between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
“We have not seen any decline in travel since the pandemic. Year after year, we have seen these numbers continue to grow,” said AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz. “We don’t know when this will stop. There is no sign of it yet.
The American Red Cross recommends the following travel tips when you're on the road:
- Be well rested and alert, wear your seat belt, obey speed limits and follow the highway code.
- If you plan to drink alcohol, designate a driver who will not drink.
- Pay all your attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
- Use caution in work zones. Many construction projects are underway on highways.
- Do not follow other vehicles too closely.
- Make frequent stops.
- Clean your vehicle's headlights and windows to help you see, especially at night. Turn on your headlights as dusk approaches or in bad weather. Don't overload your headlights.
- Don't let your vehicle's gas tank get too low. If you have car problems, get as far away from the highway as possible.
- Wear a Disaster Supply Kit in your trunk.
- Let someone know where you're going, your route, and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck en route, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
Officer Haistings said Quincy police will be watching for distracted drivers and those under the influence.
She said common distractions are phones and even trying to eat while you drive.
She added that fatigue can also be a problem, especially on long car journeys.
“If you get tired while driving, make sure you have two drivers, so one can sleep while the other drives and change vehicles. Or if you don’t have anyone else with you, stop somewhere safe where you can rest your eyes for a bit,” Haistings said.
She said it was also a good idea to leave early. This not only helps you avoid traffic but also gives you more time to arrive at your destination.
According to AAA, drivers this weekend can expect gas prices similar to last year, when the national average was around $3.57. Prices at the pump increased this spring, but have remained somewhat stable in recent weeks.
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