Record Number of S. Californians To Hit the Road For Labor Day
2 September 1998
Record Number of Southern California Travelers Will Hit the Road On Labor Day Weekend
LOS ANGELES--Sept. 2, 1998--Auto travel is predicted to hit record levels this weekend compared with previous Labor Day holidays, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
At the same time, this week's high temperatures, thunderstorms and wildfires in the Southland can contribute to complications for travelers if they don't plan carefully, said Tim Irwin, the Auto Club's travel services manager.
"The triple-digit heat and increased traffic congestion can put a quick end to weekend getaways if motorists don't make sure their cars are running properly," Irwin said. "Also, this week's fires and unusual weather conditions should prompt people to check highway advisories to ensure there's no closures on the routes they plan to travel or the locations they plan to visit."
Highways throughout the Western United States will be filled with 7.6 million people traveling by car, light truck or recreational vehicle over the weekend, according to a national survey conducted for AAA. That's a 6 percent increase in motorists compared with Labor Day 1997, and a 16 percent increase since 1995. An estimated 13 percent of all travelers in the Western United States this weekend will arrive at their destination by driving.
The top travel destinations for Southern California residents this weekend include: San Diego, Catalina, Las Vegas, Baja California, and coastal California cities from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, according to a survey of Auto Club travel agents.
Lower gas prices could be one factor in the predicted increase in the number of holiday auto travelers. Average unleaded prices for California are hovering at $1.21 a gallon, 17 cents a gallon below last year. Nationally, gas prices are at $1.07 a gallon, their lowest Labor Day levels in nine years -- an average of 19 cents per gallon lower compared with Labor Day 1997, according to national AAA.
One potential trouble spot for Southern California motorists is the "Grapevine" section of the Golden State (I-5) Freeway. Some lanes will be closed on both the northbound and southbound sides of the freeway between Castaic and Gorman for emergency repair work.
To make this weekend's trip a pleasant one, the Auto Club recommends:
-- Getting on the road early. Typically, outgoing traffic will be
heaviest during Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Heavy
incoming traffic can be expected Monday afternoon.
-- Checking your vehicle's fluid levels, belts, hoses and tires. Hot
weather can crack worn belts and hoses and cause a weak battery
to fail.
-- Packing plenty of fluids and activities for youngsters for long
trips.
-- Planning your route ahead of time and bringing along a map in
case you need to choose an alternate route. 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.
-- Taking care with your children by properly using safety belts and
car seats, and accompanying them into the restroom during travel
breaks.
-- Choosing a well-lit, populated area for rest stops when driving
at night.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs and legislative advocacy.
Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
