Heading to the beach this Memorial Day weekend? Don’t forget to download a few podcasts or audio books, because with millions of drivers on the road this weekend there is a good chance you will spend a few hours sitting in traffic. AAA’s annual Memorial Day Travel Forecast predicts a 5% increase in travel this holiday weekend – that’s nearly 2 million more people in the air, on the rail, and hitting the road than in 2017, despite rising gas prices. So, if you’re planning on packing up the car to get out of town and celebrate the unofficial start of summer, avoid leaving at the busiest time: the evening of Friday, May 25.
Traffic is an issue that is not just confined to holiday weekends. Many people face delays and congestion each day on their commute to work. In 2014, we spent 6.9 billion hours in traffic nationwide, costing the country $160 billion in wasted time and fuel. That is 42 hours per driver, and time that could be spent catching up on work tasks, spending quality time with the family, or planning a fun vacation.
To honor those who have served our country and to prepare for the summer months, Congress is currently on recess, meaning many members will be spending time in their districts enjoying time with family and attending Memorial Day parades. If you run into your Senator or Representative, don’t forget to share your thoughts on our aging infrastructure systems and how we can improve our roadways for future holiday travel.
