AAA warns drivers to take caution this Memorial Day Weekend
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Memorial day weekend is just around the corner. For many it’s also the start of the summer travel season.
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Millions of travelers are filling up their vehicles and pulling onto the highway. They’re eager to start their holiday weekend.
“We’re looking at 3.6 million Texans that will be traveling in total, 50 miles or more away from home for leisure,” said Daniel Armbruster with AAA Texas.
Driving is nothing new for retired truck driver, Paul Goudeau, who is hauling his luxurious motorhome to Florida.
“You stay in your lane and hope they stay in their’s,” said Goudeau.
The best way to ensure a safe trip is to make sure your vehicle is in good condition.
“Between Thursday and Monday, AAA Texas will rescue nearly 20,000 motorists on the roadside. The top reasons, dead batteries, flat tires and engine problems,” said Armbuster.
Goudeau said for longer drives it doesn’t hurt to make sure you check under the hood several times a day.
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“You inspect your vehicle every day, you actually do it twice a day in the morning before you start out and in the evening, after you pull over,” said Goudeau.
Roads will see a 90% increase in volume this weekend when compared to a normal day. So drivers and passengers are urged to keep an eye out for distracted and speeding drivers.
“You watch for people that are swerving and driving a little erratically and you keep your eyes on your rearview mirror as well as through the front windshield because somebody is always going down the road faster than they should,” said Goudeau.
A plus this year, or minus if you rather, is that gas is three-cents cheaper than this time last year.
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