Record Gas Prices, Economic Woes Won't Cause Travel Tailspin
LOS ANGELES--May 22, 2001--More than 2.6 million Southern Californians are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, despite high gas prices and economic uncertainty, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.About 90 percent of the Southern California travelers, or 2.33 million people, are projected to drive to holiday getaways this weekend, according to the Auto Club. Statewide, an estimated 4.2 million travelers are expected to drive, fly, cruise or ride to Memorial Day weekend destinations.
"The Memorial Day weekend travel projections reflect what we see among our members who are planning trips both for the weekend and over the summer," said Tim Irwin, the Auto Club's vice president for travel. "Travelers may be more price-sensitive this year because of gas costs and the economy, but they aren't sacrificing their vacations."
A national survey conducted for AAA projects that Memorial Day travel will increase by less than 1 percent this year. About 34.2 million Americans plan to take a holiday this weekend, and 28.5 million of them will travel by car.
Locally, auto travelers can expect prices at the pump to hover around $2 a gallon for regular unleaded, easing a bit off record price averages reached last week in many areas.
The top five travel destinations for Southern Californians, according to a survey of AAA Travel Agency representatives, are:
1. San Diego
2. Central Coast (Santa Barbara to Monterey)
3. Las Vegas
4. Colorado River resorts
5. San Francisco
The Auto Club advises all auto travelers to check their planned routes before they depart this weekend. Motorists can call the California Highway Information Number at 800/427-7623 for interstate and state route lane closures and highway closures. The information is updated hourly.
Since many local travelers are heading to waterfront destinations this weekend, the Auto Club is offering the following tips to keep safe in and around watercraft:
| -- | Don't operate a boat or other watercraft if you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs. They impair reaction, timing and judgement. |
| -- | Be aware of your surroundings and watch for people in the water, other boaters and personal watercraft. |
| -- | To avoid injuries, turn off the engine when near individuals in the water. |
| -- | Adults and children must have approved life vests that fit all individuals on the vessel. |
| -- | Don't stand in or on a vessel while it is in motion. |
| -- | Try to minimize distractions while driving. If you're the driver, watch the horizon and let one of your passengers observe the skier. |
| -- | Don't overload the vessel. Not only is it unsafe, but you could be cited by the Coast Guard or local authorities. Always secure loose items in the boat. |
| -- | For boats, be sure to turn on the blower after fueling and prior to starting the engine. |
| -- | Watch the oil, temperature and other gauges for signs of problems. Ignoring warning signs can result in costly repairs. |
| -- | Before you use your watercraft equipment, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. |
