Labor Day is traditionally the third-most traveled holiday of the summer travel season. AAA Michigan says more than a million Michiganders are expected to hit the road. With that in mind, the Automobile Association is calling for motorists to stay safe.
“What we’re really trying to do is a statewide call for caution along with a back to basics safety tips for travelers, so just a few things to remind people to have a safe holiday, and bring them back alive.”
That’s Susan Hiltz, the Public Affairs Director with AAA Michigan. She says statistics from the Michigan State Police show more traffic fatalities over the holiday weekend.
“When we compare 2016 to 2017, traffic fatalities increased during the labor day holiday. So what we see are that 27% of the fatalities reported as alcohol related. 20% of the fatalities involved a motorcyclist or off road vehicle. So those are some pretty alarming statistics and just kind of a wake-up call for us to be extra careful out there and look out for each other.”
Hiltz says to keep motorists safe they offer their back to basics safety tips.
“Buckle up, ditch the driving distractions, always drive safe and sober, obey the speed limits and always wear a helmet, whether you’re riding a motorcycle, an atv or a bicycle. It’s common sense, it’s just the smart thing to do.”
And, if you are hitting the road… get ready to pay a bit more at the pump.
“The trend we see with Labor Day holidays, we’re going to see an increase in the price as we go into the holiday weekend. Obviously, a lot of people will be traveling and there’s a more demand for gas, but after Labor, typically what we see is a drop in prices, because people are going to get back into the work place mode, less vacationing, the kids are back in school so we aren’t traveling and driving as much.”
Hiltz says you can find more information at AAA.com.
