Nearly 35 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, according to AAA. That’s the highest volume for the holiday since 2008, and 1.3 % more than a year ago.
Summertime destinations are the same on Labor Day as they are on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July: beaches, theme parks, and visiting family and friends.
Gas prices in the Pensacola area average $3.39 per gallon according to the auto club. That’s a penny less than last month, and four cents a gallon less than Labor Day, 2013. The statewide average for Florida is $3.37. One reason for the lower fuel prices is supply: U.S. oil producers are ramping up domestic production, and refineries are churning out record high levels of gasoline.
Nearly 86% of travelers – about 30 million -- will celebrate the holiday with a final road trip before summer ends. The Labor Day travel period is defined as Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1.
Law enforcement agencies from Florida and Alabama met Monday at the Florida Welcome Center on Interstate-10 for the annual “Hands Across the Border” safe driving campaign.
Drunk driving is one of the deadliest crimes in both Florida and nationwide. Almost one thousand people died in alcohol-related fatalities across Florida, according to the state Department of Transportation. And law enforcement will also be looking for speeders and travelers who are not buckled up.
AAA once again is offering its “Tow to Go” program through Monday. Anyone who parties too hearty can call 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free tow of their vehicle and a ride home. The service is available for both AAA members and non-members.
