AAA: Record Number of Holiday Travelers Expected to Close Out 2024

AAA projects 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1. 

According to AAA, this year's domestic travel projection narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA expects an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to last year. 

“Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year, so the highways and airports are going to be very busy on the weekends before and after the holiday,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “Pack your patience and follow AAA’s advice on how to arrive at your destination stress-free.”

Mid-Atlantic region Year End Forecast Highlights:
*Region includes New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Courtesy: AAA

With an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads this year, AAA offers the following safety tips: 

• Follow Posted Speed Limits: While it’s tempting to speed to save time, the facts don’t support it. Even minor increases in speed can make crashes deadly.
  • Driving 80 mph instead of 75 mph over 100 miles saves only 5 minutes, hardly worth the risk.
  • Speeding may feel faster but often leads to tragedy.
• Drive Only When Alert and Refreshed: Driving on 4-5 hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication). Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles.
  • Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives.
  • Steer clear of heavy meals, drowsy medications, and alcohol.
  • For long trips, take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Use these breaks to switch drivers if possible, or park at a safe location and nap for 20-30 minutes to recharge.
• Slow Down, Move Over: A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S. To help prevent these tragedies, AAA asks drives to Slow Down, Move Over.
  • When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed.
  • If possible, change lanes to give those crews room to do their jobs safely.
  • All 50 states and the District of Columbia have Move Over laws in place.

Courtesy: AAA