Heavy travel weekend expected for Labor Day
With a holiday weekend on the horizon, top forecasters are expecting a busy weekend on the roads and in the air this Labor Day weekend.
The holiday is always a popular time to sneak in one last trip before the unofficial end to summer arrives, with the good news being that flights, hotels, and car rentals are cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.
“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” stated Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, in a release. “The top cities on the domestic and international lists are Seattle and Vancouver, both port cities for Alaska cruises. While some people are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.”
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, states the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before the lunch rush and, for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better. Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses officials state. INRIX states the worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening, and that Saturday is expected to be particularly busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.
The good news is, Florida gas prices have declined 20 cents in the past 10 days according to AAA. On Sunday, the state average was $2.93 per gallon.
“Gas prices are moving lower as the unofficial end of the summer travel season approaches,” stated Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA, in a release. “However, there’s no guarantee this decline will hold through the holiday weekend. For almost a year, Florida gas prices have followed a pattern of declining for about 10 days, then rebounding 10-20 cents. While that could happen this week, pump prices should remain lower than last year’s Labor Day levels.”
On Labor Day 2024, Florida gas prices averaged $3.30 per gallon. AAA experts state the state average hasn’t returned to that height ever since. During that time, oil prices were trading at around $70 per barrel. Last Friday, the U.S. price for oil closed at $63.66 per barrel.
If hitting the road, AAA recommends a few safe driving tips to ensure arrival.
Last Labor Day, AAA responded to more than 383,000 calls from stranded motorists, highlighting the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and road safety practices. AAA urges drivers to plan their trips carefully and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of car trouble and accidents over the holiday period.
“Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and our roadside assistance teams are fully prepared to help those in need,” Jenkins stated. “However, taking preventative steps before hitting the road can often mean the difference between an enjoyable trip and an unwanted interruption. A simple vehicle inspection can save time, money, and stress while keeping everyone safer.”
Before heading out, AAA recommends drivers check the following components to ensure their vehicles are road-ready for the holiday weekend:
• Tires: Inspect tread depth and proper inflation, including the spare tire.
• Battery: Test for signs of wear, such as slow engine starts or dim lights, and replace if needed.
• Brakes: Listen for grinding noises or vibrations, which may signal a need for service.
• Wiper Blades: Replace if they streak or fail to clear the windshield effectively.
• Fluids: Check and top off oil, coolant, and brake fluids as recommended in the owner’s manual.
AAA also encourages drivers to restock their emergency kits with critical supplies such as first-aid items, a flashlight, water, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit.
AAA also reminds drivers to respect Move Over laws, which require motorists to slow down or change lanes when approaching emergency responders, tow trucks, or stranded vehicles. A AAA officials state roadside crashes remain a significant risk, claiming nearly 350 lives annually.
“As we prepare to assist thousands of travelers this Labor Day weekend, we remind motorists to prioritize safety-for themselves and others,” added Jenkins. “Moving over or slowing down for vehicles on the shoulder can make a life-saving difference.”
AAA is activating its ‘Tow to Go’ program across select states, including Florida, this holiday weekend. The service will operate from 6 p.m. on Aug. 29 through 6 a.m. on Sept. 2, providing free, confidential rides for impaired drivers and their vehicles within a 10-mile radius.
Since its inception over 25 years ago, ‘Tow to Go’ has removed nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from the road. By offering the program over one of the year’s most heavily traveled weekends, AAA underscores its commitment to preventing alcohol-related crashes, which remain a leading cause of roadway fatalities.
“Labor Day is meant for celebration, not tragedy,”Jenkins stated. “Impaired driving accounts for one-third of all traffic deaths year-round. Simple actions like planning a designated driver or using programs like ‘Tow to Go’ can save lives. At AAA, we are committed to offering this critical safety lifeline to protect families and prevent needless loss during the holiday.”
The Tow to Go service cannot be prearranged and is for both members and non-members. For those in need, call, 855 286-9246.