Alabama highways brace for busy travel day, AAA warns of DUI dangers

Millions of Americans have hit the road or the skies to enjoy the labor day weekend.

TSA expects to screen 17-million people through Wednesday With travel on Alabama roadways expected to be up this year.

Monday is expected to be the busiest day on the roads. With heaviest travel expected to begin in the afternoon.

Clay Ingram with AAA-Alabama says holiday travel is up 9% this year compared to last year.

“We typically see a one to two percent increase from one year to the next for any given holiday weekend, to see three to four percent is very significant, and I think a nine percent increase is just unheard of,” said Ingram.

We asked Ingram what he believes is leading to this spike in travelers.

Ingram says it’s partially due to pent-up demand from the pandemic, and people squeezing in one last summer vacation.

“Labor day is kind-of the end of the summer travel season, and it’s the last opportunity for a 3-day weekend until we get to thanksgiving… it’s just kind-of their last opportunity for something like that for quite a while, and probably the last one with warmer weather,” said Ingram.

Ingram says Alabamians should also remember that our interstates will be extra busy, as beach travelers return home.

As always, drivers are reminded to wear seatbelts, check vehicles before getting on the road, and avoid distractions.

For those celebrating the holiday at home, AAA and ALEA are warning against the dangers of drinking and driving.

Use ride share apps, designate a driver, or, simply stay the night at a friend or family members house.

“It’s not worth the risk.” said Ingram.

“Plan ahead and make sure when you’re not impaired that you make arrangements to keep yourself out of a dangerous situation,” he added.

Everyone on the road should remember to drive for themselves and others, for a safe holiday weekend.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) one alcohol impaired-driving fatality occurred every 39 minutes across the U.S. in 2023.

ALEA troopers investigated 1,675 traffic crashes where driving under the influence was a contributing factor to the crash, and 2,399 DUI violations were cited.

During this year’s labor day travel period, ALEA says troopers will be on high-visibility patrols on both on the road and the water in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities.

The drive-sober-get-pulled-over campaign will run through September 2nd.