DETROIT – The holiday rush to reach sunnier destinations is about to begin, and families should be prepared to share the road with many other drivers.
Before setting off this holiday weekend, it’s wise to fill up your gas tank sooner rather than later, as prices are expected to spike as the weekend approaches. Fortunately for drivers, AAA reports that gas prices are projected to be lower this weekend compared to last year’s average of $3.66 per gallon.
Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA, advises, “If you are planning to head out of town for a holiday, sometimes you can’t avoid filling up. Just know that prices may be slightly higher because there’s an increase in demand as everyone prepares to hit the roadway at the same time.”
According to Woodland, AAA predicts at least 1 million more drivers will be on the road compared to last year, raising concerns about safety.
Lt. Michael Shaw of the Michigan State Police emphasizes the dangers of increased traffic during the summer months. “You know, the deadly 100 days, as they call it, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there’s a lot more traffic out there. A lot more people are out there more recreational driving, instead of just going back and forth to work.”
Shaw notes that speeding is a common issue during this time, often leading to deadly crashes. “Quite honestly, no matter how good of a driver you think you are, you’re not that good of a driver to be going that speed.”
Drivers should also remember that Michigan’s hands-free law is in full effect, and police will enforce it. Shaw warns, “If you are seen with your phone in your hand, you’re going to get stopped. More than likely, you’re probably going to get a ticket because we do know that distracted driving not only puts other people in danger but also puts the people in your car in danger.”
Lastly, Shaw advises against getting out of your car on the freeway. “If you’re involved in a traffic crash on the freeway, it’s okay to go up to the next exit and get off the freeway, and the service drive call 911, you’re not fleeing the crash or not doing anything that you’re not supposed to do, but what we’re seeing is people actually getting out of their crash and standing on the lanes of the freeway.”
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According to AAA, the best time to travel on Thursday is before noon, while the worst time will be between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. On May 23, the best time to travel is before 11 a.m., with the worst time between noon and 8 p.m. Finally, when heading home this Memorial Day weekend, the best time to travel will be before 2 p.m., and the worst time will be between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.