Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Labor Day weekend: Last chance for a road trip!

Submitted

Tue, Aug 27th 2019 03:15 pm

AAA expects travel to increase over holiday weekend

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Many Western and Central New York families are using Labor Day weekend as an opportunity for one last vacation before school starts!

With every major holiday showing travel growth this past year, the trend is expected to continue for Labor Day weekend. With lower gas prices, travel opportunities are within reach for many families. The national average is now $2.86, while the New York state average is $2.79.

The Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, Aug. 29 to Monday, Sept. 2. The top destinations for Western and Central New York drivers include: Outer Banks, North Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and for local getaways: the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands and Finger Lakes. Destinations within a three-hour drive are very popular for end-of-summer road trips. Top destinations are based on local AAA TripTik and map requests. Orlando is a top destination for those taking to the skies for the holiday.

This year, AAA is seeing more travelers planning ahead for fall getaways. Top requests include Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont for fall foliage tours. Also, requests are on the rise for local wineries, including the Finger Lakes and the Niagara Wine Trail.

“No matter where they are headed, the Labor Day holiday provides families with the opportunity to make more memories and enjoy one final extended summer weekend getaway,” said Tony Spada, president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “We urge families to use caution on the roads and avoid distractions in an effort to wrap up summer safely.”

Labor Day traffic will likely be heavy across New York, with a significant shift in traffic patterns for the holiday. According to a AAA analysis of historical data from the New York State Thruway Authority, thruway traffic is expected to increase by at least 10% on Labor Day compared to an average Monday. Construction is often suspended on holiday weekends to ease congestion, but travelers are reminded to check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting www.511ny.org.

Avoid Distractions

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, someone dies on America’s roadways every 13 minutes. Distracted driving is a growing concern that is causing avoidable crashes. If you look away from the road for just two seconds, you double your crash risk. Drivers who text are eight times more likely to crash.

Requesting Roadside Assistance

AAA expects to rescue hundreds of thousands of motorists during the Labor Day holiday travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires. AAA recommends motorists check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a road trip. Members can download the AAA mobile app, visit www.AAA.com, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.

Travelers can use the app to map a route, find lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance, and find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.

Hometown News

View All News