AAA anticipates the majority of Labor Day travelers will take a road trip

DENVER (September 2, 2020) – While the COVID-19 pandemic has improved national travel prospects in the short term, an important tradition prevails: Americans will travel on Labor Day weekend, and the vast majority will be traveling by car. Even if 2020 represents the first decline in total summer travel since 2009, the volume of automobile travel is still only three percent lower than in 2019 – compared to a drop in air traffic of almost 75 percent. That means motorists should expect increased traffic during the Labor Day holidays, in addition to the new restrictions and precautions required due to the current health challenge.

Labor Day gas prices

The lowest gasoline prices on Labor Day in four years make road trips an affordable option for many travelers. Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of normal lead-free product is 2.23 US dollars, compared to 2.57 US dollars in the previous year. In Colorado, drivers pay an average of $ 2.37 a gallon, compared to $ 2.55 on the last day of work. Drivers pay the most in Vail at $ 2.81 per gallon and the least in Durango at $ 2.12.

Pump prices will continue to decline in the coming weeks as demand plummets and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico region come back online after Hurricane Laura.

COVID-19 travel resources

AAA is here to protect Coloradans during the last big hurray of the summer travel season.

  • COVID-19 travel restriction card from AAA Offers updated COVID-related travel restrictions, checkpoints, closings and case numbers.
  • TripTiks from AAA You can find and forward open gas stations, hotels, restaurants, campsites, auto repair shops, attractions and more.
  • AAA’s Best of Housekeeping highlights AAA Diamond hotels that have been recognized for implementing the strictest cleaning standards.
  • The mobile app from AAA It’s free to download for access to all of the above resources on the go, including dynamic COVID-19 travel restriction mapping.

Road trip tips

  • Prepare your vehicle. Vehicles that have been used lighter than usual or that have not been used may require additional checks, particularly for battery status, tire tread and pressure, and oil. A good mechanic can prepare your vehicle road trip. Find one at AAA.com/Repair.
  • Planned stops. Many destinations and companies have adjusted their opening times. So don’t rely on the fact that you can stop anytime. Plan your route and stop in advance.
  • Pack cleansers and face covers. Face-covering is required in many regions and drivers should clean their hands every time they use a gas pump. Find a prepared PPE road kit Here.
  • Pack food and water. To protect remote American communities and each other, pack groceries and water to reduce the number of trips to restaurants or shops along the way.
  • Get out of the lane if your car breaks down. When faced with a vehicle emergency, safely steer your car off the lane. Turn on the emergency lights to alert other drivers and, if possible, leave the vehicle on the side facing away from traffic. When everyone is in a safe place, contact a road service provider.

Stay in a hotel

  • Call before. Ask about any restrictions or changes to equipment and check-in processes, as well as hotel cleaning protocols. Many hotels have limited their occupancy to encourage social distancing and have temporarily skipped breakfast, pools, fitness rooms, and other services in common areas.
  • Understand cancellation policy. Hotel cancellation policies may vary depending on when you booked, which website you used and whether the booking was made at a special rate.
  • Bring detergent. While many hoteliers are implementing improved cleaning protocols, personally disinfecting high-touch areas can provide additional security.

Stop the spread of unsafe driving

“Preparation is the name of the game when it comes to travel during this pandemic,” said Skyler McKinley, spokesman for AAA Colorado. “But there’s a lot more than just protecting yourself from the virus. With Labor Day designed to boost traffic on our roads, travelers behind the wheel need to make safe decisions. Buckle up, slow down, and avoid the distractions.” Impaired driving, and you can Reduce the chance of a fatal accident drastically. ”

According to national data from NHTSA and AAA:

  • Alcohol-impaired driving makes up almost a third of all road deaths. In Colorado, driver-impairment fatalities rose from 28 percent of all deaths in 2019 to 30 percent in 2020 between January and July, despite fewer drivers overall due to the pandemic. Make sure you get home safely before your first drink.
  • Over speeding usually accounts for a third of all road deaths. Always stick to the speed limit, start early so you are not in a hurry, and reduce your speed in bad weather or other dangerous road conditions.
  • deflection is responsible for nine percent of fatal accidents. Drivers crash eight times more often when you send a text message and four times more often when you talk on a cell phone. Hang up the phone, program your GPS before driving, and secure loose items in the car.
  • Seat belts save lives. Almost half (47%) of the people who died in a motor vehicle accident in 2017 were not wearing a seat belt. Make sure the driver and all passengers, including children, buckle up. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for all children. The safest place for children under 12 is in the back seat. We have recommendations for the best child seats for children of all ages.

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

AAA Colorado is a proud part of the Auto Club Group (ACG), the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members in 14 US states, the province of Quebec and two US territories. ACG and its subsidiaries provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offers, and more. ACG is a member of the national AAA association with more than 60 million members in the USA and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and promote freedom of mobility and improve road safety. For more information, see the AAA Mobile App at AAA.comand follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more.