Memorial Day Driving Will Increase This Year
According to AAA, the number of Americans who will take a road trip this holiday weekend will increase about 1.2 percent over last year, despite gas prices which are slightly higher.
Last year slightly less than 30 million people hit the road to enjoy their three-day weekend. this year, that will number will likely be closer to 31 million. That’s an awful lot of cars on the road; people having a good time visiting family, going to the beach or whatever they think would make for a fun holiday.
On average, Americans will drive about 50 miles or more to enjoy their Memorial Day weekend. That means lots of people, driving lots of places, usually with a car full of kids.
No doubt you have your own Memorial Day plans. Maybe you are flying to get where you are going, but chances are, like the rest of us, you are driving. If you are driving be on the lookout for police who are expected to be out in force, especially with the nationwide ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign in full force. Police will be watching to make certain everyone in your vehicle is buckled up; front and rear passengers, especially children, must be properly secured with approved safety restraints in place.
With many states increasing penalties on distracted driving and many new laws concerning the use of handheld devices, you can bet police will be on the lookout for those drivers who fall afoul of the law as well. Do yourself a favor and find out what the law is where you plan to travel before you get there. In some states, such as Texas, municipalities have their own laws regarding the use of handheld devices while no state law exists. So, the law changes from city to city.
Be safe, have fun and drive carefully. You want to get where you are going, have a good time and get back in time to get some rest so you can be back at work on Tuesday, feeling like you just had the best time of your life!
Tags: Memorial Day
