For Memorial Day weekend, AAA expects lots of travel -- and breakdowns

May 28—AAA is expecting a "return to the Great American Road Trip" this summer, starting with a projected 1.72 million New Englanders traveling over Memorial Day weekend — a 60% increase over last year but down 10% from pre-pandemic levels.

AAA said in a news release last week that about 93% of New Englanders traveling will do so by car, and about 116,000 will fly — up 590% over last year but down 25% from 2019. The Memorial Day traveled period this year is defined as May 27 through May 31.

AAA is expecting to respond to more than 3,600 calls in the Greater Hartford area alone from members in need of roadside assistance.

"During the pandemic, cars have been sitting idle for longer periods of time and many vehicle owners have neglected basic vehicle maintenance, both of which increase the risk of a breakdown, so AAA is anticipating a busy weekend," Greater Hartford spokesperson Amy Parmenter said in a news release Thursday.

The association recommends checking tires and batteries before hitting the road, as these issues account for most calls, and topping off windshield washer fluid.

With eased coronavirus pandemic restrictions, Connecticut State Police advise people to expect much more traffic on Connecticut roads this weekend, and are reminding people to buckle up, follow speed limits, ditch distractions and not drink and drive.

Beyond this weekend, AAA on Tuesday released survey results showing 62% of 659 Connecticut residents surveyed April 22-23 were considering or planning to take a trip this summer.

The poll also showed that 33% of respondents still have COVID-related travel concerns, and 27% say their travel planning takes into account uncertainty about activities and attractions at their destination.

Nationally, AAA said earlier this month it expects 37 million people to travel 50 miles or more from home between May 27 and 31. AAA said only 23 million people traveled last year, the lowest on record since the association began tracking in 2000. While gas prices are high, Parmenter said AAA doesn't expect higher prices to deter motorists.

"As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine and consumer confidence grows, Americans are demonstrating a strong desire to travel this Memorial Day," AAA Travel Senior Vice President Paula Twidale said in a news release. "This pent-up demand will result in a significant increase in Memorial Day travel, which is a strong indicator for summer."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people delay travel until they are fully vaccinated — meaning two weeks after the second Pfizer or Moderna dose, or two weeks after the Johnson & Johnson shot. But the CDC says people who are fully vaccinated can travel safely within the United States.

Masks still are required on planes, trains and buses, regardless of vaccination status.

AAA Travel has noted significant increases in hotel and car rental bookings, and said the top Memorial Day destinations are Las Vegas, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Denver and Nashville.

What's the weather forecast?

AAA's projections are based on economic forecasting and were finalized the week of April 12, so there's always the caveat that an unexpected event or bad weather could impact projections.

Western Connecticut State University meteorologist Gary Lessor said Friday afternoon that in southeastern Connecticut, rain would come in Friday evening and get heavier at times into Saturday morning.

He said Saturday afternoon would probably be mainly dry with scattered showers, and that more showers would move in Saturday night and through the day Sunday. He expects showers to continue Monday morning, ending later in the day.

Lessor said the high temperature will be in the low 50s Saturday, around 55 degrees Sunday and near 60 Monday.

e.moser@theday.com