Memorial Day traffic expected to be heavy
Published 3:00 am Wednesday, May 25, 2016
With Memorial Day gas prices the lowest they’ve been in more than a decade, this holiday weekend is projected to have one of its highest traffic volumes ever.
AAA projects more than 38 million Americans will travel over the holiday, with 34 million driving to their destinations.
That would make for the second-highest Memorial Day travel volume on record.
This is partially because the average Alabama gas price is 44 cents cheaper than it was at this time last year.
AAA Alabama Spokesman Clay Ingram said the Southeast is always the busiest travel region during summer holidays.
“The Gulf coast and Orlando are some of the most popular areas to go during the summer holidays,” Ingram said. “You’ve got people from Idaho or Pennsylvania or wherever coming down to Disney world or the beaches, and they’ve got to drive through the southeastern states to get there.
“That means you’re dealing not only with local traffic, but also drive-through traffic. Sometimes you’ll see more out-of-state tags on the interstate than you will Alabama tags.”
Alabama law enforcement is gearing up for the increase in traffic with campaigns focusing on seat belt use and boat safety.
“We urge motorists and boaters of all ages to obey all traffic and boating laws to ensure everyone enjoys the extended holiday weekend and the coming warm-weather months,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Stan Stabler said.
“We would like nothing more than to reduce the number of traffic and boating crashes, injuries and fatalities.”