LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - With Memorial Day next week, the unofficial start of summer is upon us — meaning more people will travel by road and air over the coming months.
With Memorial Day approaching, the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer" begin — a period when traffic fatalities typically increase.
According to AAA, 45.1 million people nationally and 1.7 million Ohioans will travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 and May 26 for the holiday. This year's domestic travel is up 1.4 million from last year and is expected to break the previous record of 44 million set in 2005. With Memorial Day approaching, the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer" begin — a period when traffic fatalities typically increase. Travelers are strongly encouraged to leave early, be patient, and make sure they are fully prepared before hitting the road.
“Make sure that you are not having those distractions in the vehicle. Make sure your insurance is up-to-date, and you've got an updated insurance card. Make sure you've got your AAA card and you've got that emergency road number programmed into your phone, and make sure that your vehicle has been checked lately,” says Cindy Nelson, Senior Retail Sales Manager, AAA Lima.
Nelson advises avoiding early morning travel, when highways are usually most congested. AAA also expects 3.61 million Americans to fly for Memorial Day, up 2% from last year. Nelson also suggests obtaining a REAL ID if you're planning to book a flight.
