AAA Forecasts 39 Million Drivers Over Memorial Day Holiday

Memorial Day weekend is expected to see a significant increase in travel across the United States, with AAA projecting 39.4 million people will travel by car, an increase of over a million from last year. This surge in road traffic is anticipated to raise risks such as DUI, aggressive driving, tailgating, and speeding, prompting law enforcement to focus on these issues while urging travelers to drive safely by avoiding impairment and distractions and always buckling up. Air travel is also expected to rise, with some airports like Harrisburg International anticipating an 8 to 10% increase in passengers. Regional reports indicate similar trends, such as over 500,000 Kansans traveling and a 3% increase in South Dakota travelers, with many opting for car travel due to lower gas prices despite higher hotel and airfares. Washington State is preparing for increased traffic and providing travel charts to help drivers plan and avoid congestion, especially on major routes like Interstate 90. Overall, the Memorial Day holiday marks the start of the busy summer travel season, with many Americans taking smaller, local trips as well as longer vacations.