43 million: The number of people who are expected to partake in Memorial Day travel this year, 37.6 million on the road. That number is the highest since 2005, despite rising gas prices. The national average price per gallon is sitting at about $3.00. Combine that with Memorial Day being the unofficial kick-off of summer and with more people employed with growing incomes; people are ready for a getaway.
According to Paula Twidale, vice president, AAA Travel, “Americans are eagerly anticipating the start of summer, and expensive gas prices won’t keep them home this Memorial Day weekend. Consumer spending remains strong, helped by solid job and income growth. Families continue to prioritize spending their disposable incomes on travel, and near-record numbers of them are looking forward to doing just that for Memorial Day.”
What does this mean? The amount of car accidents is likely to go up with the influx of travelers. Many locations in Florida are especially vulnerable to an increase in car accidents as they are popular destinations for holiday travelers. According to AAA Travel bookings, Orlando is at the top f the lost and Tampa has made the list this year as well! Other locations such as Miami along with Florida beaches are expected to be crowded, too.
Hancock Injury Attorneys want you and your family to have a safe, fun holiday weekend. The best way to accomplish that is to follow these tips to make sure you are driving safely and that your vehicle is operating the way it should be.
- Know the weather forecast: In the Tampa Bay Area, it is expected to be hot. Always remember too not leave kids or pets in the car, even with the windows down for ANY length of time
- Make sure your vehicle is operating and ready to handle the drive: Check your headlights, brake lights, and oil levels, as well as ensuring tire pressure is adequate, all belts and hoses are ready, and your antifreeze is at the appropriate level. Also, if you are driving a long distance, have a professional inspect the vehicle to make sure everything is in tip-top shape.
- Plan your route: Make sure you know where you are going and how you are getting there before you start the drive. This will prevent any distracted driving from looking at your phone’s GPS and help you pick the best way to go to avoid any slow-downs or jammed roads.
- Do Not Drink and Drive: Memorial Day is obviously a holiday that is celebrated with events that include drinking much of the time. That is no excuse to drive drunk. Make sure you have a designated driver or plans to leave the next day after festivities have ended.
Memorial Day travel should be an exciting journey with your family to start off the summer. Do not let a preventable car accident get in the way of your fun!
Source: AAA
