If you’re planning to travel this Memorial Day weekend, especially driving, you won’t be alone.
AAA says this is expected to be a record year for holiday traveling with about 43 million Americans going somewhere this weekend, the second largest number of memorial weekend travelers since 2000. Its an increase of about 1.5 million travelers over last year.
Connecticut State Police and AAA are teaming up to get your holiday travel off to a safe start this Memorial Day Weekend.
State Police and AAA will be at the Middletown DOT rest stop off I-91 north Friday morning, offering free battery and tire testing as well as coffee and donuts.
The event runs from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and is part of an effort to discourage drowsy driving and remind drivers to buckle up, take it slow and avoid distracted driving.
“The Connecticut State Police would like you to have a safe holiday weekend. Buckle up, stay attentive and travel the speed limit. We want everyone to reach their destinations safely,” Sgt. Washington of the Connecticut State Police said.
AAA says the worst time to travel is Thursday between 4:45 and 6 p.m. since that is the time travelers are on the road with commuters.
Local
NBC Connecticut spoke with a Massachusetts man who got a head start on the holiday traffic by traveling Wednesday night to visit his son in Bridgeport. When he heads home, he says he won’t let crowded roads get the best of him.
“Just put some good music on, go with the flow. I’m not looking forward, but at the same time I’m not going to stress out about it” said Robert Ryan Junior of Wooster.
State police will have increased patrols over the holiday weekend, including roving DUI checkpoints.
