As millions of Americans and Arkansans set out for a long Memorial Day weekend, the roads are set to be as crowded as ever.
According to an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette report, this year, the holiday is set to see the heaviest road travel since 2000. The AAA, formerly the American Automobile Association, predicts that nearly 43 million people will take trips this weekend and some 37.6 million Americans will drive to their destinations, despite gas prices averaging well above $2 per gallon nationally. In all, 1.5 million more people are expected to be road-bound this year than last, or a 3.6-percent increase.
For those not driving for the holiday weekend, another 3.25 million will travel by air and nearly 2 million will take trains, buses, or cruise ships.
According to a report this week from national fuel survey firm Gasbuddy, the Memorial Day trend of heavy road travel is expected to continue throughout the summer, despite the largest seasonal surge in gas prices since 2011.
“The increase in motorist’s desire to hit the road comes as the national fuel price average has gently fallen after advancing 67 cents per gallon from New Year’s Day to a peak on May 4, the second largest seasonal rise ever behind a 93 cents per gallon surge in 2011 and ahead of last year’s 49-cents per gallon rise,” said the firm’s summer outlook. "Gas prices are expected to fall slightly ahead of the holiday weekend, with GasBuddy predicting the national average at $2.83 per gallon on Memorial Day. That figure is 14 cents lower than Memorial Day last year, helping motorists spend $287 million less over the long weekend.”
In Columbia County, the least expensive regular octane fuel seller on Friday seen, according to the survey site, at Murphy USA in Magnolia at $2.45. The average price across 10 stations on the same day was $2.52 per gallon.
To help travelers stay safe, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office issued a few safety tips for the Memorial Day holiday.
They are:
Buckle your safety belt: it’s the best way to stay safe in a vehicle and remember, the national Click-It-or-Ticket program is in full swing over the holiday weekend.
Don’t drink and drive: even one alcoholic drink can reduce your abilities and impair your judgment.
-Put down the cell phone: nearly 9 people are killed and over 1,000 injured every day in crashes involving distracted drivers – don’t text and drive! In many states, using your cell phone while driving is against the law.
-Be prepared: take a map, atlas, or GPS device; make sure your spare tire is inflated and you know how to change it; have your car serviced before heading out; include an emergency kit with water and snacks in case you’re stranded for more than a few hours; refuel before your gas warning indicator displays.
Turn down the music: hearing sirens and emergency vehicles is an important warning to slow down and drive cautiously. You may be approaching an accident scene.
Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel: eating, looking for CDs, and digging for things in the floorboard or back seat can lead to trouble.
Be courteous: because of the volume of vehicles on the road, you’re bound to run into a few traffic jams, be cut off, or be forced to stop short; remain calm and courteous. Don’t let other drivers ruin your holiday.
Get plenty of rest: make sure you’re well rested before getting behind the wheel, rotate driving duties with others in the car to avoid becoming too sleepy or distracted.
Take frequent breaks: stop, get out of the vehicle, and stretch your legs often.
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Note: Information in this article was contributed by Alex Gladden of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.