AAA is projecting that more than 594,000 Oklahomans will travel a distance of 50 miles or more over the Memorial Day weekend.
As usual, the large majority will be driving to their destinations. However, air travel and other modes of travel transportation (trains, cruises and buses) are up significantly compared to last year.
AAA’s forecast indicated that 90% of travelers – or more than 526,000 Oklahomans – will be hitting the roads and highways for the holiday, up more than 4% compared to last year despite record gas prices.
“The roads will be as crowded as they have been over the Memorial Day holiday since before the pandemic,” said Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson. “With so many people driving, our AAA Emergency Roadside Service team is preparing for a very busy, all-hands-on deck weekend to assist those who may have car troubles. We recommend that holiday road-trippers plan ahead to make sure their vehicle is road-ready before they leave, and take proper safety precautions while on the road.”
AAA projects that the heaviest traffic will occur in most places during the following times:
- Thursday/Friday (May 26-27) afternoon and evening, as holiday traffic mixes with regular rush hour commuters
- Monday afternoon and evening when many vacationers return home
With a holiday weekend full of busy highways, AAA Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) crews expect to respond to more than 388,000 calls for help nationwide and more than 3,500 members across Oklahoma left stranded by dead batteries, tire troubles, other engine breakdowns, lockouts — and even drivers who have run out of gas.
“AAA is known for our emergency roadside service,” said Jason Cravens, fleet manager for AAA Oklahoma. “We pride ourselves in providing great service and keeping drivers and families safe. Our goal is to get our members back on the roads as quickly and safely as possible for the Memorial Day weekend and throughout the busy summer.”