Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The unofficial beginning of summer means the start of travel season.
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Whether by air or by land, many people are expected to take to the skies, roads, and highways in Pennsylvania over the Memorial Day weekend.
AAA predicts 39.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their home over the holiday weekend. The number marks an 8.3 percent increase over 2021 travel, matching levels last seen in 2017.
There are expected to be 3 million people flying.
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“Memorial Day is always a good predictor of what’s to come for summer travel,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of 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.”
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission projects more than 2.2 million motorists will be traveling the turnpike over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
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Turnpike officials said more than 300,000 more drivers are expected to take to the system, an increase of 3 percent over the number from 2019.
Turnpike officials released the following travel projections for their system over the holiday weekend:
- Friday, May 27 – 770,000 vehicles
- Saturday, May 28 – 540,000 vehicles
- Sunday, May 29 – 460,000 vehicles
- Monday, May 30 – 495,000 vehicles
“While our traffic volumes are beginning to mirror, or even exceed, the levels prior to the pandemic, poor driving habits made worse during the pandemic — when drivers saw sparser traffic and wide-open roads — are becoming far more dangerous,” said Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “With more congested roadways, these increasingly deadly driving behaviors are having even more alarming impacts to lives and families. We must work to change that trend and remind and reeducate drivers that lives are in their hands when they sit behind the wheel. A moment’s distraction can have devastating consequences. Put your phone down, watch your speed and pay attention to what is happening on the roadway.”
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Pennsylvania State Police and local authorities plan to increase patrols over the holiday weekend.
In Bucks County, officials warned drivers this week not to drive while intoxicated over the Memorial Day weekend.
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“With Memorial Day weekend upon us and a surge in holiday traffic anticipated, we echo the reminder to motorists of the importance of safe driving habits,” said state police Cpl. Matthew Johnston. “Obeying the posted speed limits, allowing sufficient distance between other vehicles and a general respect for other motorists will ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
AAA is also expecting their emergency roadside crews in the Philadelphia region to help close to 6,000 drivers impacted by dead batteries, tire troubles, lockouts, and those who run out of gas.
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In a statement, AAA officials encouraged drivers to have a summer emergency kit in their vehicles. They want drivers to have the below items:
- Fully charged cell phone and car charger
- First-aid kit
- Blanket
- Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
- Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
- Emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
- Jumper cables
- Drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car including pets
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