The Niles Star

Holiday travel expected to be up this year

By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Travelers can expect the roads to be more crowded than last year this holiday weekend. About 2.7 million Michigan residents will travel 50 miles or more during the Christmas holiday period, according to a AAA of Michigan survey. This is up from 2 million last holiday season.

Holiday travel nationwide is expected to be up 3.8 percent from last year with 87.7 million Americans traveling.

The increase in travel certainly isn’t due to prices at the pump. The average price of gas in Michigan is $2.55 a gallon, 88 cents more than last year. The average cost in Niles is similar at $2.52.

The lowest average airfare and car rentals are expected to be up 2 percent from last year as well.

The weather could be a factor this weekend with a winter storm watch in effect for much of Michiana from this afternoon through Christmas morning.

According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain and sleet is likely for tonight with sleet accumulation of a half inch possible. Christmas day could see rain or freezing rain and sleet with a high of 39.

During last year’s Christmas holiday period, Michigan State Police reported 14 traffic fatalities.

AAA officials encourage those traveling this holiday season to allow extra time, use safety belts, get adequate sleep and avoid alcohol.

“It’s important to make sure your car is ready with ample gasoline and a good battery and to keep an eye on the weather forecast,” Nancy Cain of the AAA Michigan Public Relations Department said. “Have a snow brush, ice scraper, boots, hats gloves and flashlight and if you can, try to drive when well rested.”