Labor Day 2020: Spur-of-the-Moment Traveling, Says AAA
While travel experts at AAA aren't making predictions about Labor Day weekend due to the coronavirus pandemic, they say trends show Americans in the summer of 2020 are more likely to act on the spur of the moment, and more cautious about our approach.
"Americans will get out and explore this summer though they’re taking a ‘wait and see approach’ when it comes to booking and are likely to book more long weekend getaways than extended vacations," said Paula Twidale, AAA’s senior vice president of Travel.
And when we travel, it's by car, by far.
AAA experts predict 97 percent of travel will have been by car the summer of 2020, with air travel off by about 74 percent and rail, cruise ship and bus travel down by 86 percent.
"With travel restrictions lifting but social distancing still recommended, it’s no surprise," said Jeanette Casselano, director of public relations for AAA. "And an added benefit right now – gas prices remain low."
The average price for gasoline in New York was $2.28 Thursday, compared to $2.79 a year ago.
Still, with the pandemic ongoing, "normal' traffic congestion while traveling will not be a problem in New York or surrounding states, AAA experts said.
Even you're just going to be traveling locally, remember that law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts started Aug. 19 and will end Sept. 7.
Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.
The STOP-DWI Labor Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives
promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from our STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.
While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of
alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
State officials say you can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home. Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!
Are you getting out of town for the Labor Day weekend? Tell us about it in the comments.
This article originally appeared on the Nyack-Piermont Patch
