OCEAN CITY — AAA Mid-Atlantic projects nearly 834,0000 Marylanders will travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 2.3 percent increase compared to 2016, and the highest figure for the holiday since 2005, mirroring the nationwide trend for Memorial Day travel. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29.
This year’s forecast also reflects the sixth consecutive year of growth since 2012, after holiday travel declined very slightly in 2011, and when May gas prices had peaked to $4 per gallon in Maryland. For the third consecutive year, Maryland’s travel volume is expected to exceed 800,000.
“Our forecast shows that Marylanders are joining Americans across the country in planning a getaway for the Memorial Day holiday weekend in record numbers not seen since 2005,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Increases in personal income and falling unemployment rates have led to strong growth in consumer spending, as well as a high level of consumer optimism. These are the driving factors motivating Marylanders to open up their wallets to spend on a holiday trip.”
AAA Mid-Atlantic, safety and law enforcement officials, were joined by Maryland’s Deputy Transportation Secretary, James Ports, and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan at an annual event held at Hemingway’s Restaurant in Stevensville, at the southern base of the Bay Bridge on Tuesday, to kick off the unofficial start to the summer vacation season.
“Ocean City is excited to kick off the summer season and the Memorial holiday weekend,” said Meehan. “Our summer is full of free family fun, every day of the week, including exciting signature events like the 10th Annual Air Show. Despite all of the excitement, safety is always our number one priority. We want our visitors to arrive in Ocean City safely, stay safe while you’re here and return home safely. Remember to ‘Walk Smart,’ using crosswalks and crossing with the pedestrian signal.”
Nearly 744,000 Marylanders intend to drive to their destination, a 2.1 percent increase over last year’s holiday. Residents taking to the roads represent the largest share (88 percent) of overall travelers.
“As is typical with holiday weekend getaways, the majority of travelers will drive to their destination,” said Averella. “For those travelers, driving consistently remains a more affordable and often convenient option, particularly those with family and pets in tow.”
The strong growth in travel by auto comes despite gas prices that are higher than last year.
“Maryland’s gas prices had been on the decline over the past month and while there was hope that prices would continue declining to a level lower than year ago prices, it appears the trend has halted,” said Averella. “Gas prices have been creeping upward over the last week, although the slight uptick, prices remain lower than last month’s prices and are only pennies higher than 2016 prices.”
As of Monday, May 22, Maryland’s average price was $2.33 per gallon, which reflects a three cents increase from last week but an eight cents decrease from last month’s price. The price difference compared to last year’s price is narrowing with the state average only four cents higher than the 2016 average price on May 22.
Last year, Marylanders paid an average $2.32 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline on Memorial Day and an even higher price in 2015, an average of $2.69.
As the roads will be packed this Memorial Day holiday weekend, AAA recommends travelers avoid traveling through major cities during peak travel times to minimize encountering traffic congestion. “The best time to leave will be in the early mornings because the roads should be less crowded, and you will have more time to get to your destination safely,” advised Averella.
The Maryland State Police and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police will be out in full force patrolling highways for the Memorial Day holiday weekend and are urging motorists to take responsibility while driving to keep themselves, their passengers and others on the road safe.
“Remember the safety of all emergency responders this holiday weekend,” said MDTA Police Chief, Colonel Jerry Jones. “Please MOVE OVER or SLOW DOWN for emergency vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped and using visible signals.”
“State Police will be on high alert this upcoming holiday weekend to focus on removing dangerous drivers from our highways,” said Lieutenant Colonel Frank Lioi, Chief of the Maryland State Police Field Operations Bureau. “If you are driving this weekend, and most people will be at some point, it is your obligation to make traffic safety a priority. Avoid drunk and distracted driving to help reduce injuries and fatalities across our state.”
The Maryland Department of Transportation is also urging motorists to make traffic safety a priority.
“Safety is our top priority,” said Deputy Secretary James Ports. “Make a plan to buckle up – every trip, every time – and make sure everyone in your vehicle does too.”