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Despite tough economy, more than 1 million expected to hit the road this weekend
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Published: September 2, 2009
More than 1 million North Carolinians are expected to take a trip of more than 50 miles from home this Labor Day holiday, according to AAA.
That would be more than 12 percent more than Memorial Day - when gas prices actually were about 14 cents lower.
"That is more than 113,000 more than Memorial Day," said David E. Parson, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. "It means more people really want to get away for the last holiday of the summer despite the fact most schools are already in session."
The most popular destinations for N.C. motorists, AAA found, were Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Washington, D.C.; Asheville, Charleston, S.C.; and Atlanta. Most construction projects will be suspended from 4 p.m. Friday until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
No matter the destination, local travelers can expect a strong showing by the Highway Patrol, which has tallied nearly 30 DWI arrests since its Booze It and Lose It campaign began Aug. 21.
"We've got the shifts divided up where most of the guys will be working late this weekend," Sgt. C.L. Johnston said. "Just about every trooper available is working this Labor Day weekend."
"Just slow down and drive safely and drive defensively," Johnston advised motorists. "Any time there's a fatal collision, it's a tragic loss of life that doesn't need to happen most of the time.
"Most of these collisions can be avoided just by driving defensively and obeying the speed limit."
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