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AAA expects travel to increase over Labor Day weekend

Many Western and Central New York families are using Labor Day Weekend as an opportunity for one last vacation before school starts!

The last year AAA tracked data, 2015, 35.5 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more – the most since 2008 and the fourth consecutive year of growth. With every major holiday showing travel growth this past year, Labor Day Weekend is sure to be the same. The holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, August 31 to Monday, September 4.

The top destinations for Western and Central New York drivers are: Outer Banks, NC; Cape Cod, MA; Maine; and the Adirondack/Thousand Islands area for camping. Top destinations information is based on local AAA TripTik and map requests.

Labor Day traffic will likely be heavy across New York State with a significant shift in traffic patterns for the holiday. According to a AAA analysis of historical data from the NYS Thruway Authority, thruway traffic is expected to increase by at least 10 percent on Labor Day compared to an average Monday. Further analysis shows that E-ZPass usage drops by four percent on Labor Day, while cash transactions increase by a whopping 37 percent. Drivers hoping to avoid holiday traffic delays should use E-ZPass and get an early start. AAA members can purchase E-ZPass at AAA locations. Construction on NYS highways is being suspended from Friday to Tuesday mornings in order to ease congestion, and travelers are reminded to check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting www.511ny.org.

“The Labor Day holiday provides families with the opportunity for one final extended summer weekend getaway,” said Tony Spada, President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York.

Avoid distractions

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, someone dies on America’s roadways every 13 minutes. Distracted driving is a growing concern that is causing avoidable crashes. If you look away from the road for just two seconds, you double your crash risk and drivers who text are eight times more likely to crash. “AAA reminds drivers as they head out on the road that safety should remain top of mind,” Spada said. “It is important to remain distraction-free and keep their minds on the task of driving.”

Requesting roadside assistance

AAA expects to rescue hundreds of thousands of motorists during the Labor Day holiday travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires. AAA recommends motorists check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a road trip. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.

Download the AAA Mobile app before a road trip

Travelers can use the app to map a route, find lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance, find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Please note: AAA has not issued nationwide travel projections for the Labor Day holiday this year.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 860,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services.  Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com or www.NewsRoom.AAA.com or download our mobile app at www.AAA.com/mobile.

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