Increased Md. travel volume mirrors nat’l trend for holiday weekend
If you're not a big fan of traffic, traveling during Memorial Day weekend may sound like a logistical nightmare; however, it's not stopping the millions of Americans expected to hit the roads.
AAA Mid-Atlantic projects nearly 834,000 Marylanders, in particular, to travel this weekend. It's a 2.3 percent increase from 2016 and the highest figure for the holiday since 2005.
Ragina Cooper Averella, manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic Maryland says the driving factors behind more people traveling include increases in personal income and falling unemployment rates despite a small uptick in recent gas prices.
"As of yesterday [Monday], Maryland's average gas price was at $2.33 per gallon. It reflects a three cent increase compared to this time last week, but is actually 8 cents lower than last month," says Cooper Averella.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan says about a quarter million of projected travelers will be flocking to the town of Ocean City.
"It depends on other circumstances but you know, it's going to be something in realm depending on the weather. Forecast looks pretty good, so we're pretty excited," says Mayor Meehan. "We think advanced reservations look very strong, still have condos but make the call today because we're going to have a big crowd in ocean city for the weekend."
When it comes to getting to and from destinations, the Maryland Department of Transportation ('MDOT') says travelers need to pack patience. Deputy Secretary Jim Ports says allowing space between cars is crucial.
"Tailgating is the number one reason for crashes on the bay bridge, so keep your eyes on the road not on the bay and turn on your headlights and be safe," says Deputy Secretary Ports.
Law enforcement officials are also upping their presence this weekend.
Lieutenant colonel Frank Lioi of the Maryland State Police says it's called "Operation Showboat", meaning high visibility of police from Anne Arundel County to Ocean City. Some areas in particular include Routes 301, 13 and 50.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Lioi, troopers will be looking for distracted and aggressive drivers plus speeding.
"Our goal has always been and continues to be zero death," says Lioi. "We want to make sure that you're driving through Maryland, that you're going to be able to drive through safely and not risk having a fatal accident so our goal obviously this weekend is to support that."
The goal, according to Ports, is not about how fast you can get to your destination. Instead, he says it's about getting there safely.
"As you're traveling, think about the destinations you're going to. Think about the people the kids in the car, celebrate this weekend but celebrate responsibly," he says.
Another important tip is paying attention to work zones. Maryland currently has 905 roadway construction projects in place, which is the largest in state history. To reduce delays, MDOT says they will suspend all of its non-emergency road work for the weekend.
