AAA forecasts more than 200,000 West Virginians will travel this Memorial Day weekend

(WSAZ) – When nearly 44 million Americans take to the roads, skies, rails and sea for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, more than 200,000 West Virginians are expected to be among them, according to AAA.

“Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer travel season,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public affairs manager, AAA Blue Grass. “We expect 214,179 West Virginians to travel for the upcoming holiday weekend, starting Thursday and continuing through Monday. That’s over 12% of West Virginia’s population and represents a 4.3% increase compared to the number of West Virginians traveling for the Memorial Day holiday in 2023.”

AAA expects the wide majority―about 89.2 percent of all West Virginians traveling―to travel by car, while about 8.3 percent of West Virginians traveling will be taking to the skies. The remaining West Virginians―about 2.5 percent–will travel by train, take a cruise or use some other mode of transportation.

Gas prices remain slightly higher than a year ago. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline heading into the Memorial Day travel period remains at $3.59, about 6 cents higher than a year ago. West Virginia’s average is at $3.50, about 11 cents higher than a year ago.

Prepare for the unexpected by making sure you have everything you need to keep you and your passengers safe and comfortable, especially in the heat of summer. AAA Emergency Kits are available at most AAA Retail locations or online, or you can stock your own to include the following:

• Jumper cables/jump pack
• Basic set of tools
• Car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
• Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
• Tarp, raincoat and gloves
• Blanket
• Extra drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
• Extra medicines
• Phone charger
• Drinking water and snacks for all passengers, including pets

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