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Travel numbers climb as Americans hit the road for holiday

Americans hit the road in near-record numbers at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, as their eagerness to break free from coronavirus confinement overcame higher prices for flights, gasoline and hotels. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned people to expect long lines at airports and appealed for travelers to be patient. The U.S. Commerce Department said consumer spending increased in April, although not as much as in March, showing how consumers are driving a recovery from last year's pandemic recession.

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Hike in gas prices is not stopping travelers from taking trips

ROANOKE, Va. – Drivers are feeling the pressure at the pump as gas prices are on the rise, but not when it comes to travel. With refinery output at a record low and crude oil prices rising, Roanoke gas prices are 50 cents higher compared to last year. Though prices will continue to rise in the spring, 60% of the people AAA surveyed say they plan to travel in the next three months for leisure. A recent survey from Destination Analyst says 14% of people surveyed are going to travel for spring break. If you are traveling this spring break, you’re best bet is to head south as gas prices tend to be cheaper in that direction.

Here’s why the coronavirus vaccine could be driving up gas prices in Virginia

As predicted, AAA said more Americans stayed home this year; however, gas prices are rising in Virginia. In typical years, supply and demand would be the culprit of rising prices this time of year. Yet experts are suggesting a link between pump prices and the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s those prices for crude oil that are driving pump prices right now,” explained Morgan Dean, AAA spokesperson. To check gas prices in your area, click here.

Pandemic worries hang over holiday travel

Despite an uptick in coronavirus cases nationwide, people are still planning to travel to celebrate the upcoming holidays. “80 percent of all trips for this fall are going to be road trips, and that’s because the cars offer so much security to people,” says AAA’s Jeanette McGee. “You know who’s going to be with you.”If you are planning on traveling, experts say be prepared for crowds and be patient. “Days like Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, Sunday on the return, are going to be the busier days, both at the airports and on the roads,” warns travel expert Jeanenne Tornatore. Regardless of if, where and how you are traveling this holiday season, experts say to follow the three W’s: wear a mask, wait six feet apart and wash your hands.

AAA gives tips for back to school driving

ROANOKE, Va. Even if you dont have a child in school right now, as a driver its time to get into back to school mode. AAA says drivers usually go without seeing school buses for just three months, but this year for many its been six months. Since there arent as many kids using the bus, prepare to see more people walking and biking to school. So were urging drivers to be on the lookout, lookout for school buses lookout for more cars maybe lined up around schools than what you normally see in the past, said Morgan Dean with AAA Mid-Atlantic. It is the expect the unexpected year and theres a lot of questions about whats really going to happen this year.

Ahead of Labor Day Celebrations, experts say: play it safe

(NBC News) - Millions of Americans are planning a last warm weather hurrah before the sun sets on summer. This year, AAA sees travelers opting for remote locations over cities, and driving instead of flying. Some areas that saw spikes after Memorial Day, like Oregons Multnomah County, are pleading with people to play it safe. Our ask of the public is to just find one way to take your plans down a notch in terms of risk, says Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines. Under 10 is what people say and to wear masks when possible.And while many continue to avoid crowds, health experts say small gatherings can be risky as well.

How to road trip while remaining vigilant during coronavirus

If you decide to go on a road trip, AAA has an online feature called TripTik to make your trip during a pandemic less of a headache. Road trip essentials usually consist of a map, great snacks and some good music but this year you may want to revamp that list. AAA suggests before you fill your gas tank, put your hand in one of those sandwich bags then pump your gas. Below is a look at the differences in gas prices in our region according to AAA Mid-Atlantic region. Roanoke Gas Prices as of September 3, 2020-$2.08Up 2 cents from a week agoUp 13 cents from a month agoDown 24 cents over a year ago.

More families traveling to nearby vacation destinations

ROANOKE, Va. – After months of being cooped up in the house, families are looking for a change of scenery. People are overwhelmingly looking for vacations closer to home, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Smokey Mountains and beaches are top destinations as they’re locations where families can be outdoors and distance. Families are opting to rent houses and vacation properties from owners, according to travel experts. People are seeing their cars as an extension of their homes, a place they can control and a place they’re comfortable,” said Martha Meade with AAA Mid-Atlantic.

AAA report suggests pandemic will slow Memorial Day travel, but a rebound is expected

ROANOKE, Va. – A report from AAA suggests that travel for Memorial Day will be down due to the coronavirus pandemic, but AAA says it doesn’t expect that trend to last for long. For the first time in 20 years, AAA will not be releasing a Memorial Day travel forecast because the accuracy of the data used to compile that report has been undermined by COVID-19. According to AAA, online bookings have been modestly rising since mid-April, suggesting travelers are starting to feel more comfortable and confident about travel. The expected rebound in domestic trips is based off of trends AAA anticipated for summer before the pandemic ramped up. In March, a AAA survey found 90% of the 173 Americans who had summer vacations planned were set to go on US-based vacations.

California gas prices soar above $4

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Gasoline prices have spiked in California, soaring well above what most Americans are paying at the pump. California's gas prices are the most expensive in the United States: The national average is currently $2.65 a gallon. Most motorists around the country are noticing gas prices declining or stabilizing, which is normal for autumn. Gas prices typically drop after the busy summer driving season, AAA said. More than other states, California gas prices can sometimes skyrocket, because the state mandates cleaner gas with fewer emissions.

How to get the best price on a holiday plane ticket

If you want to arrive before the holiday, flying on Monday is the best choice. It has the lowest average ticket price ($486) prior to the holiday. Actually flying on the holiday offers the lowest average price per ticket ($454) while the Tuesday ($521) and Wednesday ($527) before the holiday are pricey and the heaviest air travel days, AAA says. While you're booking Thanksgiving travel, you may as well book for Christmas and New Year's. Sign up for alertsJust like the rest of the year, many fares fluctuate during the run up to the holiday travel season, says Tracy Stewart, editor at airfare deal site Airfarewatchdog.com.

Gas prices will climb following the Saudi attacks

Crude oil prices are rising after attacks on oil fields in Saudi Arabia over the weekend. Gas prices probably won't climb high enough to substantially hurt the US economy. The sudden jump in oil prices above $60 a barrel means gas prices are expected to start rising within a few days, she said. Spike in gas prices at end of year is uncommonAny increase in gas prices at this time of the year is relatively uncommon, according to Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, a firm that has an app that helps people track gas prices at individual stations in real time. So far, oil prices and by extension gas prices remain at reasonable levels.

Road rage on the rise: How to survive these dangerous encounters

Road rage has been on the rise for years. "So, folks are sacrificing sleep in order to get things done, which only exacerbates the likelihood that somebody will experience a road rage incident." Preventing road rageThe best way to survive road rage is to keep it from happening in the first place. All you are doing if you react with your children in the vehicle is training them in road rage; not great parenting." If you find yourself the victim of a road rage incident, here are some key steps to take:Don't reactAvoid any escalation of the conflict.

Low gas prices could mean rush of travelers Labor Day weekend

SALEM, Va. - This Labor Day weekend will not be much of a pain at the gas pump. The average gas price per gallon for Labor Day weekend is $2.58 according to AAA, compared to $2.83 last Labor Day weekend. Additionally, Virginia's average price per gallon is $2.33, the lowest Labor Day weekend gas prices in three years. The low gas prices could encourage more people to drive for a Labor Day weekend getaway. She said she noticed gas prices in her home state of South Carolina were low and wanted to take advantage of them while she could.

Drivers run red lights in Roanoke Valley; deaths hit 10-year high in Virginia

AAA said the number of people dying in red light crashes has hit an alarming level, a 10-year high in Virginia. From Jan 1, 2018 to Aug 29, 2018, Roanoke City Police issued 224 tickets to people running red lights in Roanoke City. "We are definitely seeing that red light running is a dangerous problem across the country," said Tamra Johnson, of AAA. In the past 10 years (2008-2017), 108 deaths resulted from red light running crashes in the Virginia. Per capita, Arizona has the highest rate of red light running fatalities while New Hampshire has the lowest rate.

Deaths caused by red light runners hit 10-year high, AAA says

Deaths caused by drivers running red lights hit their highest rate in 10 years, according to a new report from AAA. (CNN) - Deaths caused by drivers running red lights hit their highest rate in 10 years, according to a new report from AAA. It's a problem that can be curbed with red light cameras, Kolosh said, which reduced red light violations by 40% in a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The cameras photograph vehicles that run red lights, which police can review to decide whether to ticket them. Speeding, however, continues to be the most common cause of car deaths caused by improper driving.