2.2 Million Maryland Residents to Set Christmas 2016 Travel Record: AAA

Even with one less travel day in the 2016 Christmas through New Year's period, a record number of more than 103 million Americans and nearly 2.2 million Marylanders are expected to travel for the year-end holidays, says AAA. This represents a 1.5 percent and 1.4 percent increase, respectively.

The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Friday, December 23, to Monday, January 2, 2017.

The increase in holiday travel this year is being driven by additional consumer spending, a result of improvements in the labor market and rising wage, along with low gas prices and increased consumer optimism, says AAA.

“This year more Americans, including Marylanders, will travel to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than ever before,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, public and government affairs manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Rising incomes and continued low gas prices, despite the recent rise at the pump, should make for a joyous holiday travel season.”

As of Dec. 13, the national average price for a gallon of gas was $2.20 per gallon, 20 cents more than the average price on New Year’s Day 2016 ($2). Most drivers will pay the second-cheapest New Year’s Day gas prices since 2009, when the national average was $1.62. Maryland’s average price as of Wednesday was $2.29 per gallon, which is 32 cents higher than the state’s average for New Year’s Day 2016.

AAA said that nationally, gas prices are slightly higher for 2016 than they were for 2015, but they remain significantly lower than 2014.

The long range forecast indicates that rain showers could be possible on December 23 and Christmas Eve, and that rain is possible during the week after Christmas. Preliminary forecasts say that temperatures are expected to be in the 40's on most days, according to Weather.com.

To check on road conditions anywhere in Maryland before you climb in the car, check the MD511.orgsite on your computer, tablet or phone.

Prepare Before Getting on the Road

AAA offers the following tips for travelers who may encounter winter weather conditions:

• Check windshield wipers and inspect tires to ensure safe drivability before setting out.
• Pack an emergency kit containing a snow shovel, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, warning devices and extra warm clothing for everyone riding in the vehicle.
• When driving, slow down and do not tailgate.
• Leave following distances to a minimum of five to six seconds to allow additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary.

Before setting out on a winter road trip, travelers are encouraged to download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android at AAA.com/mobile.

All travelers can use the app to map a route, find lowest gas prices, and search for repair shops, while AAA members can access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, and call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.
»Patch file photo