Steering Clear of Traffic on Californian Roads on Labor Day
Labor Day is the final celebratory flourish of summer. According to AAA’s booking data, the enthusiasm for travel remains robust, marked by a 4 percent increase in domestic travel bookings and a 44 percent surge in international bookings. The date of Labor Day falls on Sept. 4 this year.
Increasing Gas Prices
Like other holiday weekends, most travel endeavors will unfold on the road. Labor Day travelers embarking on road trips within California can anticipate gas costs similar to those of the previous year, per the latest AAA travel group data.
The escalated gas prices witnessed in July due to constrained supply and elevated oil expenses have shown signs of moderation throughout August. AAA foresees this trend continuing up to Labor Day.
The average cost of regular gasoline per gallon in the Golden State hovers around $5.26. This week, the price has risen by 10 cents compared to the previous week, according to AAA’s comprehensive gas price tracking.
Expect Intense Traffic Delays
To make the most of the elongated holiday weekend, most travelers are anticipated to start their journeys on the Thursday or Friday before Labor Day.
To avoid congested traffic, as transportation analysts recommended, it’s advisable to embark on your travel early in the morning or evening.
Traditionally, the most intense traffic is expected on Thursday, Aug. 31, from mid-afternoon to early evening. Additionally, roadtrippers might encounter heightened traffic volumes from late morning through the night on Friday, Sept. 1.
For travelers hitting the road in the Los Angeles area, evading northbound Interstate 5 around the peak congestion period of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday is advisable. During these hours, travel times tend to inflate by approximately 88 percent.
Around the San Diego region, southbound Interstate 15 is projected to be most crowded around 4:45 p.m. on Monday, resulting in travel times around 29 percent higher than usual. Meanwhile, those driving southbound between San Francisco and Monterey in the Bay Area might face significant delays around 4 p.m. on Sunday, with travel times potentially surging by 68 percent.
In general, these are the best times to drive and best times to avoid driving if possible:
| Date | Best Time to Drive |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, Aug. 30 | Before 7 a.m. |
| Thursday, Aug. 31 | Before 7 a.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 1 | Before 11 a.m. |
| Saturday, Sept. 2 | After 6 p.m. |
| Sunday, Sept. 3 | Minimal traffic disruptions are expected |
| Date | Avoid Driving Between |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, Aug. 30 | Noon – 8 p.m. |
| Thursday, Aug. 31 | Noon – 8 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 1 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Saturday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Monday, Sept. 4 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
Other Car Issues on the Road
AAA’s analysis of previous motorist assistance calls indicates that over 300,000 individuals may encounter issues like flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
Should you become stranded, try to pull your vehicle as far onto the shoulder as safety allows, activate your hazard lights, and quickly request roadside assistance. Reaching the next service exit or a safe stopping point is the recommended course of action if possible.
Inspecting your vehicle before embarking on your journey is wise to prevent breakdowns. Additionally, carrying an extra set of keys is recommended.
Primary National and International Travel Destinations
According to AAA’s travel data, the primary domestic destinations for Labor Day include Orlando, Seattle, Anchorage, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, the Grand Canyon, and the Central Coast.
AAA highlighted that Florida destinations remain popular due to their numerous beaches and theme parks, with increased demand in cruise ports like Miami, Tampa, central Florida, and Fort Lauderdale.
The leading international destinations for Labor Day encompass Mexico, Vancouver, London, Rome, Paris, and Dublin.
Watch the following video for tips on getting to your holiday destination this Labor Day weekend while minimizing cost and hassle.
California Car Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer. Experiencing an auto accident can cast a shadow over your vacation plans. If you or a loved one has sustained significant injuries in an accident due to the actions of a negligent driver, call our law firm at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. Since 1982, our team of legal experts has aided numerous individuals in securing just verdicts and settlements for their injury and wrongful death claims.
Photo by Aleksandr Popov on Unsplash
cha llo [cs 748]