AAA: Bring your patience if you plan to travel this Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching and record-breaking travel from this summer continues into this extended holiday weekend.

As people head out of town for the last holiday weekend of the summer, law enforcement and AAA are warning everyone to be prepared and keep your focus to make sure you arrive safely to your destination.

Steve Peifer says now that he’s in retirement, he’s taking time to travel. He’s heading through the Midwest this weekend and spending time with family on the road, where it’s Mount Rushmore – or bust.

“I have the most capable brother-in-law in Minnesota,”Peifer said. “I’m gonna sit in the car, I’m gonna eat snacks.”

But for those who are getting behind the wheel, AAA reminds drivers to make sure their vehicles are up-to-speed on routine maintenance to make sure you don’t end up stranded on the roadside during the busy holiday weekend.

AAA also reminds travelers to leave yourself plenty of extra time to make sure your schedule works out.

“Patience is probably gonna be one of the big things to bring with you, especially if you’re flying. And then planning is gonna help as well. Be aware that people are gonna be leaving early and enjoying this last weekend out before school really kicks in, before getting back to work kicks in, and before traveling season kind of takes a halt until the holidays,” AAA Public Affairs Specialist Brian Ortner said.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Bob Conrad says if you’re planning on driving, put your phone away – but keep it nearby if you need to call 911 in an emergency.

He says to be sure to keep your eyes on the road and wear your seatbelt. State data shows more than 43% of fatalities on the road this year happened when the person wasn’t buckled in.

“With the holiday weekend, our whole goal is to get there safely. It’s to travel, have fun with family and friends, or the last hoorah of the summer, whatever you want to call it. So make sure you just do it the right way. If you’re doing things the right way you will come home alive and that’s really what we want,” Trooper Conrad said.

Now, following just a few simple rules of the road this Labor Day, families like Peifer’s can enjoy the holiday road trip and return home safely.

Gas prices are down right now compared to last year.

AAA says the average cost per gallon across Iowa is more than 50 cents lower than last year’s Labor Day.