Despite high gasoline prices, Triple-A is predicting a return to the highway for thousands of Kentuckians this Memorial Day weekend. Lori Weaver Hawkins is public and government affairs manager with Triple-A of the Bluegrass. She said travelers may make some modifications in their holiday spending.
“They might not dine out quite as much before the trip and during the trip. Maybe do a little less shopping. Consider fewer paid tours, those sorts of things,” said Weaver Hawkins.
More than half a million Kentuckians are expected to travel more than 50 miles away from home this weekend. Weaver Hawkins noted flying activity is up 25%.
On the roadway, she added motorists should always be ready to slow down and move over when encountering workers or disabled vehicles.
“This is a continuing problem that we’re having with folks that are along the roadside working, getting hit because drivers are distracted, they’re not paying attention, they’re not slowing down,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Just this week a collision involving a vehicle and construction worker took place in Jessamine County. Triple-A Fleet Manager Jed Bowles said motorists should run their vehicles through a checklist before any heavy travel.
Bowles said leaky tires need attention. He said it’s often recommended a tire be replaced instead of being patched long-term. And Bowles said battery issues are common in hot weather. In fact, he added more batteries are replaced in the summer than in the winter months.