AAA is predicting busier than usual roadways this Memorial Day weekend.
Last year close to 115,000 Delawareans hit the roads during the Memorial Day holiday, but Ken Grant, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic, says we will see a 3.8% increase in travellers this year.
Grant says, “This year we’re expecting to see about 12% of the population of Delaware, or about 118,962 travellers, get on the roads and hop into planes and trains and travel at least 50 miles.”
That number does not include travellers going under 50 miles to their destinations, like the Delaware Beaches or other points of interest in the First State.
Grant also wants to remind Delaware drivers to pack their patience.
“You don’t want to end up in a road rage situation or add to frustration in the middle of all the traffic that you’re going to be seeing, so plan ahead, plan alternate routes, and be ready to enjoy a fun little road trip”, Grant said.
Grant says drivers should plan for their road trips accordingly, by checking their batteries, tires, and windshield wipers.
Last Memorial Day weekend, AAA rescued 55,000 stranded motorists in Mid-Atlantic region.
As a result Grant says travellers should also pack an emergency kit food and water, as well as games and reading materials for passengers.
However, Memorial Day is not expected to be as busy as other recent holidays.
More than 124,000 Delaware residents ventured more than 50 miles from their home last Fourth of July weekend and more than 147,000 did the same during Thanksgiving weekend in 2018.