Easter Travel 2019: Best And Worst MD Traffic Times, Gas Prices

MARYLAND — While drivers don't typically pack Maryland highways for the Easter holiday like Thanksgiving weekend or Memorial Day as families head to the Eastern Shore, but for those who are traveling this holiday/spring break weekend, gas prices are on their way up. You can waste less gas if you heed the advice of AAA Mid-Atlantic on when to hit the road to avoid the worst of the weekend traffic.

For those driving Maryland roads this Easter weekend, AAA estimates the worst travel time will be between 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18. The best time to leave is before noon on Thursday. Families are also expected to travel in numbers on Sunday, April 21, so Monday is an ideal travel day for families with flexible schedules.

April claims the second highest monthly gas price hike based on historical data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The national average rose to $2.83 per gallon on Wednesday, April 17, an increase of nearly 30 cents from a month ago, according to AAA gas prices. In California, the average price has reached $4.01.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says gas price increases can be attributed to "unexpected and planned maintenance at refineries making the transition from winter blends of gasoline to summer blends, coupled with tightening gasoline stocks."

Below are the highest average prices by jurisdiction as reported by AAA:

• Annapolis: $2.65
• Baltimore: $2.71
• Bowie: $2.59
• Bel Air: $2.61
• Havre de Grace: $2.63
• Towson: $2.63
• Owings Mills: $2.58
• Columbia: $2.60
• Silver Spring: $2.67
• Rockville: $2.69
• Gaithersburg: $2.75
• Bethesda: $2.76
• Crofton: $2.79

To find gas prices around you, visit www.gasbuddy.com and type in your city or zip code.

Easter Travel in a Nutshell

When combining Easter and spring break trips, 45 million Americans are taking family trips this season, according to AAA Mid Atlantic. Holy Week, or the week leading up to Easter, coincides with spring break for numerous school districts.

Some 20 million people will travel by plane during Holy Week. The Transportation Security Administration estimated it would screen around 107 million people at airports between March 14 and April 28. AAA says the busiest air travel time heading back to DC will be Sunday evening.

During the spring break season more congestion is expected at the big three regional airports, Reagan National, Dulles and BWI Airport. Expect backups on airport roads during busy travel periods and at springtime. Dulles International Airport is “offering 30% off daily garage parking rate on select dates.”

Prepare Your Vehicle

Drivers should check their vehicles to ensure tires are filled and ensure belts and hoses are in good working order. Having a mechanical breakdown on the highway can be extremely dangerous, state highway officials warn.

If a breakdown occurs, pull as far off the road as possible and stay inside, then call #77, 911 or your roadside assistance service.

Prepare Yourself

• Put on your seat belt. It's the law.
• Do not use handheld devices while driving.
• Get plenty of rest before hitting the road.
• Travel at the posted speed limit.