Thursday marks day one of the busy Labor Day travel period and AAA is predicating the biggest traveler turnout in years.
This year, 34.7 million people are expected to celebrate the last holiday of the summer with a weekend getaway, the most people since 2008.
“A lot of that has to do with increases in consumer spending, disposal income; also gas prices are low,” said AAA spokesperson, Mark Jenkins. “Not to mention, timing. We typically see more people traveling when Labor Day beings in August, as opposed to September.”
More than 29 million people will be hitting the road to get where they’re going this Labor Day weekend and more cars on the road means more police on the road.
“We have a lot more travelers on the roadways over the holiday so there’s going to be a lot more opportunity to try and keep the roadways safe,” said Trooper Rob Hicks with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Troopers say they’ll be on the lookout for aggressive and distracted drivers.
They’ll also be conducting DUI check points.
"We know that there’s going to be a lot more people out there enjoying the weekend and having some drinks; we realize the potential of having more people driving under the influence is there and because of that we will certainly be looking for it,” Trooper Hicks added.
If you are traveling this weekend, troopers want to remind drivers of a few simple tips for a safe arrival.
"We would ask people to keep the phones down,” Trooper Hicks said. “If you have to take a call or do a text, pull over the side of the road and do it where it’s safe. Don’t drink and drive and if you do drink, make sure you have a designated driver because at the end of the day, it’s not worth."
Jenkins with AAA also recommends getting your car serviced before you hit the road this weekend.
The official Labor Day travel period is Thursday through Monday.