SAN ANGELO, TX – As the holiday season approaches, a surge in travel is expected, with AAA predicting over 103 million Americans hitting the road to celebrate Christmas and New Year festivities, marking a 1.8 percent increase compared to the previous year.
AAA predicts over 103 million Americans will drive 50 or more miles from home for Christmas or New Year festivities.
“This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”
This year’s anticipated number of holiday drivers is the second-highest on record, following 2019 when a staggering 108 million drivers embarked on holiday journeys.
Notably, as the year comes to a close, drivers can expect gas prices to remain stable or even decrease, with the national average hovering around $3.10 per gallon on Christmas Day and $3.20 on New Year’s Day.
AAA has provided guidance on the best and worst times to travel by car during the holiday season, emphasizing peak congestion periods and optimal windows for smooth journeys.
For instance, the Saturday before Christmas is projected to be the busiest, with the period between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. identified as the worst time to be on the road.
Conversely, early mornings and before noon are deemed the best times for travel throughout the holiday period.
Drivers in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio need to be extra careful on the road, according to nearly 10 years of data by the insurance savings app Jerry.
Analyzing nearly a decade of data, Jerry identifies these four Texas cities as hosting four of the top 10 deadliest road destinations over the past ten years.
While the joy of the season beckons families and friends to come together, a sobering awareness of potential risks underscores the importance of safe driving practices, vigilance, and strategic planning for those venturing onto the nation's highways and byways.
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