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Sunday, September 5, 2010 |
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Crowds are expected to hit the roads
Published December 23, 2009
SEGUIN — Holiday travelers can expect more motorists on the road this Christmas.
AAA Texas expects 5.7 million travelers on the road this Christmas, an 8 percent increase from the number of people traveling by car last year. The number of motorists on the road over the Christmas holidays is almost twice what it was over the Thanksgiving holidays, said AAA Texas Regional Vice President Rhonda Wilson.
“It is certainly encouraging that more people say they plan to travel this holiday season as compared to 2008. The number of people on the road over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays is projected to be nearly double what it was during the Thanksgiving holiday when 3.3 million people said they were taking a vacation,” Wilson said.
One of the big reasons for the increased number of cars on the road this holiday season, is the decrease in gas prices. AAA Texas spokesman Dan Ronan said people are ready to get back on the road after staying home more often over the past year.
“Many people have been sitting on the sidelines,” Ronan said. “They haven’t been taking vacations like they used to. The economy appears to be improving and now they are ready to get back on the road for the holidays.”
Motorists in Texas will find the average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.46 a gallon. The national average price fell by four cents in the last week from $2.63 to $2.59.
Seguin Police Chief Kevin Kelso said there will be extra officers on the road over the holiday weekend.
“We want folks to anticipate any delays they might have, and to avoid speeding or other traffic violations,” Kelso said. “Remember, that everyone must be wearing a seatbelt. We will have more officers out there, and they will be holding people accountable for breaking the law. We want everyone to have a safe and merry Christmas.”
Ronan said motorists need to make sure their car is prepared for a road trip this holiday season.
“If you’re going to be driving a long distance, and in bad weather areas, make sure you have your car inspected before you go,” Ronan said. “I don’t mean to leave it in the shop all day, but just have a mechanic look it over before you go to make sure everything is working like it should. The last thing you want is to get stranded on the road in bad weather.”
AAA expects to assist nearly 1.3 million motorists nationwide during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday addressing battery replacements and jump starts, minor repairs, tire changes, and pulling vehicles out of the snow. Motorists should have their car serviced for winter weather conditions before attempting to drive long distances.
Before travelers find themselves stranded along the travel route, AAA Texas suggests including the following items in the car: state and local maps, a cell phone charger, fully equipped first aid kit, bottles of water, tissues, non-perishable foods, blankets, and a tool kit including a tire iron and jumper cables.
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