LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – AAA is forecasting another record-breaking season for holiday travel. With winter weather forecasted across the state, the Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding drivers to be extra vigilant if they’re hitting the road these next few weeks.
The travel season is rapidly approaching for the end-of-the-year holidays, 3.8 million Michiganders are predicted to fill the roads and airways between December 19 and January 1.
Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA Autoclub Group said it’s important to keep in mind that the roadways, airports, and cruise terminals, will be extra busy this year. The forecast surpasses last year’s record of 3.6 million, higher than even pre-COVID travel numbers.
A record-breaking 7.8 million Americans are expected to fly this holiday season. To keep things running smoothly at the airport, Woodland recommended arriving 2-3 hours before your departure time, checking in online beforehand, and using your airline’s mobile app to track your flight information. She also said to pack medications and an extra set of clothing in a carry-on in case of a flight cancelation or delay. She also recommends travel insurance to make sure you are protected if plans do change.
A white Christmas is in the forecast this year for the Upper Peninsula. With 3.4 million drives predicted to travel 50 miles or more on the roads, MDOT is emphasizing winter diving safety. Dan Weingarten, Media representative in the superior region for MDOT said to keep a close eye on the weather for the week leading up to your planned day of travel.
After last year’s mild winter, Weingarten said to check car tires and emergency kits to make sure they’re ready for travel. This year’s earlier winter weather requires having a solid travel plan. Checking the weather and road conditions in advance will also be extra important.
“We all need to reacclimate ourselves every winter. We have to relearn how to drive on ice and snow.” Weingarten said. “It’s our job as drivers to stay focused on the road and drive safely, so the best way to do that is to slow down when weather conditions get nasty, as they often do in the Upper Peninsula in the winter.”
Weingarten gave some reminders of Michigan driving laws as well.
Safe driving laws require drivers only go as fast as road conditions will safely allow. If visibility or snow accumulation is impacting driving conditions, remember to slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
If EMS, Police, or tow vehicles are pulled over on the side of the road, laws require drivers to move over a lane and reduce their speed to at least 10 under the posted speed limit.
Lastly, new state laws require drivers to stay at a minimum of 200 feet behind a snowplow, or 90 feet while stopped.
Weingarten recommended visiting michigan.gov/drive, michigan.gov/winterdriving, and weather.gov to help when making travel plans.
