AAA Expects New Holiday Travel Record

A record amount of people are expected to travel this holiday season, according to AAA.

The auto agency estimates that 103 million people will travel for the holidays, with the majority choosing driving as their form of transportation.

According to AAA’s annual survey, 93.6 million people will drive to their holiday destination during the designated travel period between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.

In Wisconsin, 2.17 million people will travel for the holidays, with 1.96 million choosing to drive. To prepare for the increasing amount of people on the road during the holiday season, it is important that drivers take proper safety precautions with their vehicles and apply safe driving behavior.

The 1.5 percent increase in travellers choosing to drive this holiday season is believed to be attributed to an improved economy, job market growth and affordable gas prices.

AAA has recommended that drivers follow its guidelines for safe winter driving, including:

• Get plenty of sleep before starting a long trip in order to prevent drowsy driving.
• Never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage, to heat up your engine.
• Always check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Avoid using your parking break in cold, rainy or snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any surface that is wet or covered in ice or snow.
• Always look in the direction that you are steering.

For drivers making a long-distance trip for the holidays, AAA recommends:

• Carefully follow weather reports before leaving.
• Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection before leaving.
• Pack a disaster kit that includes a cellphone, blankets, winter clothes, food, water and medication.
• If you become snowbound, stay with your vehicle to use it as a temporary shelter. It also makes it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Tie a colorful, bright cloth to your antenna as a distress signal.
• Check to make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with ice, snow or mud.
• Run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill and conserve gasoline.
• Always wear your seatbelt.

With the largest recorded number of travelers expected to be on the road during the holiday season, accidents are bound to happen. If you are injured in a car accident, speak with the Milwaukee car accident attorneys at Pitman, Kalkhoff, Sicula and Dentice in a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis and will review your claim to determine if you are entitled to compensation.

To get started, call 877-877-2228 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.