AAA
AAA is projecting that almost 329,000 Kansans will travel a distance of 50 miles or more over the Memorial Day weekend and, as usual, the large majority will be driving to their destinations, though air travel and travel by other modes of transportation are both up significantly compared to last year.
Ninety percent of travelers - or more than 296,000 Kansas - will be hitting the roads and highways for the holiday, up more than 4% compared to last year despite record gas prices.
“The roads will be as crowded as they have been over the Memorial Day holiday since before the pandemic,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “With so many people driving, our AAA Emergency Roadside Service team is preparing for a very busy, all-hands-on deck weekend to assist those who may have car troubles. We recommend that holiday road-trippers plan ahead to make sure their vehicle is road-ready before they leave, and take proper safety precautions while on the road.”
AAA projects that the heaviest traffic will take place in larger metro areas and in most places during the following times:
●Thursday/Friday afternoon and evening, as holiday traffic mixes with regular rush hour commuters.
●Monday afternoon and evening when many vacationers return home
No Holiday for AAA Emergency Roadside Service
With a holiday weekend full of busy highways, AAA Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) crews expect to respond to more than 388,000 calls for help nationwide and 1,200 members across Kansas left stranded by dead batteries, tire troubles, other engine breakdowns, lockouts -- and even drivers who have run out of gas.
“AAA is known for our emergency roadside service,” said Jon Burgett, ERS fleet operations manager for AAA Kansas. “We pride ourselves in providing great service and keeping drivers and families safe. We look forward to getting our members back on the roads as quickly and safely as possible for the Memorial Day weekend and throughout the busy summer.”
In order to avoid both the inconvenience and the expense of a breakdown, AAA is encouraging all motorists to make sure their vehicles are road-ready before heading out. Travelers can have their vehicles inspected by a trusted mechanic at any AAA Approved Auto Repair center.
Safety while on the road
Whether preparing for a trip this Memorial Day weekend or getting ready for a Great American Road Trip this summer, AAA reminds drivers to make sure their cell phones are fully charged and that they have a fully stocked summer emergency kit on hand.
AAA Summer Emergency Kit suggestions:
●Fully charged cell phone and car charger.
●First-aid kit.
●Basic tool kit.
●Blanket.
●Rain jacket or poncho.
●Flashlight with extra fresh batteries.
●Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes.
●Emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors.
●Jumper cables.
●Drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car including pets.
AAA members are also encouraged to download the AAA app for Emergency Roadside Service or program the AAA Help line and their membership number into their phones.
As the AAA Emergency Roadside Service crews prepare to take care of motorists on the roads, they ask that drivers look out for AAA technicians and other emergency first responders who work along the highways and obey the “Move Over” laws that exist in Kansas and all other states.
“Drivers need to focus on driving without distraction and keep everyone on the road safe by slowing down and moving over for all who are working at the roadside,” said Burgett.Kansas and National Memorial Day Travel By the Numbers
In addition to the increase in holiday travelers driving to their destinations this Memorial Day weekend, airports, cruise ships and other modes of transportation will also be extremely busy so travelers should plan accordingly.
In fact, air travel is up more than 24 percent over Memorial Day weekend last year, with AAA projecting that more than 26,000 Kansans will to take to the skies. And, travel by other modes of transportation – such as cruise ship, train and bus - which were slowest to recover from the pandemic, are projected to increase by almost 200% nationwide over last year.AAA’s previously released National Memorial Day weekend travel forecast can be found here: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2022/05/the-heat-is-on-memorial-day-forecast-points-to-sizzlin-summer-travel/
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 62 million members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a COVID travel restriction map, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a membership, visit www.AAA.com.