AAA predicts 11 percent travel increase in Golden State; CHP
preps for holiday
Californians are expected to take full advantage of the last
gasp of summer. A new travel survey from AAA Northern California
predicts an 11 percent increase in the number of Californians
expected to travel over Labor Day weekend.
AAA’s latest travel forecast predicts more than 4 million
Californians will travel 50 miles or more from their homes this
upcoming three-day Labor Day weekend.
AAA predicts 11 percent travel increase in Golden State; CHP preps for holiday
Californians are expected to take full advantage of the last gasp of summer. A new travel survey from AAA Northern California predicts an 11 percent increase in the number of Californians expected to travel over Labor Day weekend.
AAA’s latest travel forecast predicts more than 4 million Californians will travel 50 miles or more from their homes this upcoming three-day Labor Day weekend.
“Despite the continued mixed feelings regarding the economic recovery, a strong comeback in travel is anticipated for this holiday weekend,” said AAA Northern California spokeswoman Cynthia Harris. “Compared to last year, fewer Californians are expected to pull back on discretionary spending, which will have a considerably positive impact on travel.”
This year, holiday trips by automobile are expected to be the preferred mode of transportation with more than 3.5 million Californians driving to reach their holiday destinations. This represents an 11.6 percent increase compared to 2009. More than 315,000 Californians are planning to travel by air, an increase of 5.7 percent compared to last year. Approximately 170,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, buses and watercraft. This represents an increase of 7.9 percent over 2009.
Nationally, AAA projects just over 34 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Labor Day weekend, representing a 9.9 percent increase compared to 2009.
The AAA Leisure Travel Index shows that airfares over Labor Day weekend are expected to rise by 9 percent, with an average cost of $179 per ticket. Hotel rates and weekend car rentals are also expected to rise compared with last year. The expenditures of a West Coast family of four are expected to average $1,016 over the weekend, and the average road trip is predicted to cover 726 miles.
AAA’s survey shows that visits with friends and relatives will be the preferred leisure activity for West Coast families. Other favorite activities over the weekend are expected to be touring and sightseeing, followed by dining out.
During the holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol will be holding a maximum enforcement period, beginning Sept. 3, at 6:01 p.m. and ending Sept. 6, at 11:59 p.m.
“I hop everyone enjoys the Labor Day weekend by keeping safety in mind,” said Joe Farrow, the CHP commissioner, in a press release. “With many families headed for fun, the highways will be crowded and congested with traffic. Mixing these factors with alcohol, speed and not wearing a safety belt can lead to a deadly consequence.”
In addition to the Labor Day maximum enforcement period, the CHP is in the midst of an aggressive crackdown on impaired driving, which began Aug. 20. The national campaign, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” is a coordinated effort of law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
Last year during the Labor Day weekend, CHP officers throughout California made 1,417 arrests for driving under the influence.
“If we find you driving impaired we will arrest you, no exceptions,” Farrow said in a press release. “DUI is a careless disregard for human life.”
Motorists are encouraged to call 911 if they encounter a suspected drunk driver, with a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel.
“Take care of yourself and your loved ones,” Farrow said. “Designate a driver in advance, always wear your seat belt, don’t speed and be sure to pay attention to the road.
