TEXAS, USA — According to AAA Texas, Memorial Day travel in the Lone Star State is set to be slightly above pre-pandemic levels. 3.5 million Texans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home next week, which is the second-highest memorial day holiday travel since 2000.
"Major arteries like Interstate 35, I10, Interstate 30, and Interstate 20. Those are going to be likely very busy especially in and around those major metro areas," AAA Texas Spokesperson, Daniel Armbruster said. "Highway 6 even, you could run into some issues certainly going through Bryan/College Station or Waco."
Some of the most sought-after vacation spots for Texans include Destin and Fort Lauderdale, FL, Gulf Shores, AL, Myrtle Beach, NC, and San Diego, CA, so giving yourself extra time to get to your destination is recommended.
"Friday and Saturday will have the lowest amount of traffic volume as far as automobile goes," Armbruster said. "Certainly, if you can leave before Thursday you might have a little bit lighter traffic."
Before hitting the road, you'll want to make sure to get your vehicle checked, because even though we haven't seen those 100-degree days just yet, the heat still takes its toll on our vehicles.
"You always want to have an emergency roadside kit," Armbruster said. "That's going to include a first aid kit, a flashlight with fresh batteries, also of course, jumper cables and flares to let people know if you do have a roadside emergency. Let them know that you're there so that they can see you."
Starting Monday, TxDOT is launching its statewide "Click it or ticket" campaign from May 22 through June 4. Law enforcement will be working overtime and looking to ticket motorists who aren't buckled up.