×

Agency: 50.9M to travel for holiday

AAA: People driving, flying for Thanksgiving expected to be highest number since 2005

The highest number of holiday travelers since 2005 is expected on the nation’s roads and in the skies over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

AAA projects 50.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving, a 3.3 percent increase over last year.

The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday to Sunday. The travel agency predicts that 1.6 million more people will travel by automobile, plane, rail or bus compared to last year.

“An uptick in the economy has given travelers plenty to be thankful for this year, and we expect travel to remain plentiful through the holidays,” said Jim Lehman, AAA East Central president, in a statement. “Most Americans can enjoy time spent with friends and family.”

Thanksgiving holiday travelers in the Mid-Atlantic region will total 6.08 million, an increase of 3.5 percent from the 5.87 million in 2016.

Of that total, 5.4 million will travel by auto, up 3.4 percent from last year’s 5.2 million, according to AAA.

Travelers aren’t being deterred by higher gas prices.

While AAA expects most U.S. drivers will pay the highest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2014, the vast majority of holiday travelers (89.3 percent) are still planning to hit the road.

The national average of regular unleaded is $2.55, about 40 cents more than last year. At most locations in the Altoona area, the price has risen to $2.85, compared to $2.39 at this time last year and to $2.29 in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is projecting that 3.55 million cars and trucks will travel the turnpike Tuesday through Sunday.

“We appreciate that family, friends, food and festivities are the focus of the Thanksgiving holiday season,” said Mark Compton, turnpike CEO, in a statement. “All lanes are slated to be open and additional safety, maintenance and state police patrols will be on hand.”

From 5 a.m. Tuesday until 11 p.m. Sunday, all lanes in each direction of the turnpike will be open and available to accommodate heavier traffic volumes. All scheduled maintenance and construction projects will be suspended during these times.

Tuesday and Wednesday are projected to be the most heavily traveled days on the turnpike with 725,000 vehicles expected both days.

“Distracted driving is among the top reasons for crashes and fatalities on the turnpike,” said Corp. Holly Reber-Billings of State Police Troop T in a statement. “Any distraction that interrupts a driver’s concentration can be hazardous. At this busy time of year, when there typically are more passengers in vehicles, it’s extremely important to stay focused and pay attention to the roadway. When you turn your head to check on passengers in your car, your steering wheel often follows. Stop at a safe location to see what might be happening in the back seat.”

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today