Roadside Rescues to Increase 6 Percent During Holidays

AAA Arizona says one in three people in our state will take to the roadways during the year-end holidays. AAA predicts that it will come to the aid of 12,800 motorists between December 23 and January 2. That’s an increase of 6% over the same period last year.

The auto club projects that it will tow nearly 5,000 vehicles, jump start more than 3,300 cars, retrieve more than 2,100 sets of keys locked inside vehicles, fix more than 1,800 tires and deliver fuel to more than 250 stranded motorists.

The club encourages motorists to make a check list before leaving on a holiday road trip. This includes checking tires, battery, belts and hoses.

No Construction Closures Over Labor Day Weekend

The Arizona Department of Transportation says that no construction closures are scheduled over the Labor Day weekend. This includes Friday afternoon when the heaviest traffic conditions are expected.

Some existing work zones remain in place and drivers are urged to use caution in areas where lane changes may be needed.

Before you start out on your trip, you can check on highway conditions at www.az511.gov or by dialing 511 on your telephone.

AAA Predicts Increase in Holiday Travel

AAA predicts that more than 1.9 million Arizonans will travel more 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holidays. That’s an increase of nearly 3% over last year and the fifth consecutive year of increases.

Nationwide, more than 92 million Americans will travel over the same period. That’s an increase of 3%.

No Closures Scheduled On State Highways Over Thanksgiving Weekend

The Arizona Department of Transportation says that drivers using state highways over the Thanksgiving weekend will not run into any construction-related closures. ADOT is holding off on projects requiring closures to ease travel and promote safety as the holiday travel season gets under way.

Drivers are still urged to be prepared for any unscheduled highway restrictions. Information about driving in winter weather conditions is available at www.azdot.gov.

AAA Predicts Record Thanksgiving Travel

AAA predicts a record number of travelers over the Thanksgiving weekend. The auto club says more than 850,000 Arizonans will travel 50 or more miles from home, an increase of 11% over last year.

Nationwide, more than 42 million Americans will travel during the holiday weekend.

Even though gasoline prices have risen, 92.5% of Arizona travelers will drive rather than fly.