Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the busiest in two years, building on an upward trend that began earlier this spring. This year’s forecast marks the second-highest single-year increase in travelers since 2010 (2021 was the highest), bringing volumes almost in line with pre-pandemic levels. The unofficial start to summer will be a busy one this year as AAA predicts 39.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend Mary 28-30, an increase of 8.3% over 2021, bringing travel volumes almost in line with those in 2017.

Despite historically high gas prices, 34.9 million people plan to travel by car, up 4.6% over last year. A greater portion of travelers are opting for air and other modes of travel than in previous years. Share of car travel fell from 92.1% last year to 88.9% this year, a slight indication that higher prices at the pump are having an impact on how people choose to travel this Memorial Day. Regardless of which mode they choose, travelers should prepare for a busy holiday weekend.  

Memorial Day is always a good predictor of what’s to come for summer travel,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Based on our projections, summer travel isn’t just heating up, it will be on fire. People are overdue for a vacation and they are looking to catch up on some much-needed R&R in the coming months.”  

• Air—AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 6% more than last year coming in at $184/ticket with Saturday being the most expensive day to fly and Monday the least.
• Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 42%, with the average lowest nightly rates ranging between approximately $199 – $257/night for AAA Approved Hotels.
• Car Rentals—Daily car rental rates have decreased 16% compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $100/day.

TRAVEL TIPS

Even the current pain at the pump won’t stop people from taking off in motor vehicles for a weekend of fun. In Atlanta, the busiest/worst time to travel by car will be on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 3:30-5:30pm. In the I-85 S Clairmont Rd. to MLK Dr. corridor, traffic and congestion will be as much as 128% over normal levels. In Georgia as a whole, AAA predicts that nearly 1.2 million Georgians will travel this weekend, with app. 1.1 million of those traveling by automobile. The Georgia Department of Public Safety released a statement, advising that summer heat takes its toll on motor vehicles, but routine maintenance and a pre-trip inspection are the best steps you can take to avoid a mechanical breakdown while traveling. The inspection should cover the vehicle’s tire tread wear, brakes, belts, fluid levels and hoses. dps.georgia.gov. 

Georgia troopers are also participating in Operation C.A.R.E. for this holiday period. C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, is a program sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to promote traffic safety through high visibility patrols. Operation C.A.R.E. began in 1977 and the Georgia State Patrol has participated in each enforcement effort. 

BEST LAID PLANS

Despite preparing, planning and being careful on the road, accidents can and do happen, especially during high traffic and road congestion times. Traffic predictions from the Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety call for 2,250 traffic crashes, 575 injuries and 13 fatalities during the 78-hour holiday period. Last year, 11 people died on Georgia roads during the holiday period. There were also 2,311 traffic crashes and 554 injuries recorded.

In addition to preparing your vehicle and planning your route carefully, the AAA and the Georgia DPS advise traveling at non-peak times, typically early morning or evening, and avoiding Saturday and Monday late afternoon travel if possible. Another key safety factor is avoiding alcohol consumption near travel times, and avoiding distractions while on the road. If you do get into an accident, remember to: get medical attention right away; take pictures of the scene and vehicles involved; get names and contact information of any witnesses; and contact Dave Thomas, of The Thomas Law Firm, for a free consultation regarding your legal rights.