What you need to know during the Summer travel season
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — It’s that time of year again. College students are heading home, schools are letting out for the summer, and vacation plans are in full swing.
With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, families across the country are preparing to hit the road and take to the skies in search of summer getaways. And they’re not alone as millions of Americans are expected to do the same, leading to what could be a record-breaking week for travel.
“This year, we are projecting 49.1 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the five-day period, which runs from today through Monday,” said AAA spokesperson Lynda Lambert. “That’s a record-breaking number. We’ve never seen anything like it since AAA began tracking travel in 2000. It’s also important to note that 39 million of those travelers will be driving, so our highways will be busy.”
Setting new travel records is nothing new for Americans, especially during the summer months. Despite inflation and other economic pressures, travel continues to be a top priority for many. And this year, a dip in gas prices is making road trips even more appealing.
“We’re seeing one million more people traveling this Memorial Day than last year, and gas prices are down by 40 cents per gallon,” Lambert said. “Even last year broke records. It just shows that Americans are committed to getting away.”
With so many drivers expected on the roads, Kentucky State Police are ramping up patrols to help keep travelers safe. Trooper Katan Parker, public information officer for KSP Post 3, emphasized one simple but crucial safety tip for anyone traveling this weekend: wear your seatbelt.
“Seatbelts. I can’t stress it enough,” Parker said. “People often stop wearing them because nothing has happened yet. But it only takes one moment. It’s like being a firefighter or police officer—we train constantly for that one time we’re really needed.”
Parker also urged travelers to make smart decisions once they reach their destinations to never drive under the influence, follow local traffic laws, and keep a safe distance from road crews working on construction projects.
Whether you’re hitting the road or catching a flight, officials are reminding everyone to stay alert, stay safe, and enjoy the holiday weekend responsibly.