NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Highways across Connecticut were busy Friday, as people headed out for the holiday weekend ahead.
Americans are traveling in record numbers this year. Over one hundred million people are going to drive, fly, or take some other mode of transportation. That means there will be busy airports, and busy roads.
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According to AAA, travel over the upcoming Christmas-New Year’s holiday is likely to show an increase compared to last year. The record travel numbers is relative to low gas prices, allowing travelers to spend more on their holiday travel.
The national average gas price is sitting at $2.24 a gallon, according to the American Automotive Association. More than 90-percent of New England travelers are expected to drive more than 50 miles to their destinations.
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AAA says you’ll avoid a lot of traffic if you travel early in the morning or late at night. Spokesperson Fran Mayko says a lot of it has to do with those low gas prices.
We are feeling good about ourselves. We have a lot more money in our pocket and gas prices are lower than they have been for most of the year.”
If you’re planning to travel by car, make sure you get it checked out to ensure it is safe to drive. AAA says be prepared, and remember to pack your patience.
Drivers will also see an increased Connecticut State Police presence on roads and highways, focusing on impaired drivers.
“Aggressive drivers, drivers operating under the influence, distracted drivers, those are the things troopers are going to be looking for,” said Trooper Kelly Grant.
Police also want to remind travelers to give themselves plenty of time, since there will likely be traffic. Some travelers did leave early, and they were glad they did.
“We were expecting it to be worse,” said Voula Zervakis, who was traveling through Connecticut from Vermont. “But it’s okay. I think we’ll be in time for dinner.”
Union Station in New Haven was busy all day on Friday. Beth and Charles Turk arrived early in the afternoon. They’re here from Chicago visiting family.
“We actually left yesterday and we flew into New York City,” said Beth Turk. “Then we took the train. We took the train down this morning.”
Some travelers are home from college for the holidays.
“I always take the Amtrak. It’s so much better than driving,” said Mary Kate Visnic, who was visiting from Boston. “Like our mom said, I’m just going to book you a ticket because driving today is so much more mayhem.”
Police are expecting the roads to be very busy on Saturday and early Sunday as well. They have already started conducting roving patrols and DUI checkpoints.
