Holiday Travel In Florida: 4.8 Million To Hit The Road

TAMPA, FL — Motorists in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties with plans to hit the road over the holidays won’t be alone. AAA anticipates 5,378,552 Floridians have holiday travel plans. An estimated 4.8 million intend to travel by vehicle, the auto club says.

The number of people expected to head out on Florida roads is up 3.1 percent from last year. About 296,681 Floridians will travel by plane. Just under 200,000 Floridians will travel by other means, AAA says. That includes train and boat travel.

"This will be the most-traveled year-end holiday season on record, particularly for those who drive," said Joseph J. Richardson Jr., president and CEO of the auto club group.

In all, 103.1 million Americans are expected to make trips of 50 miles or more for the holidays. That number is up by 1.5 percent over 2015.

The spike in travel is attributed to a number of factors, including rising wages and labor market improvements. Low gas prices and increased consumer optimism are also likely contributing factors, AAA said.

Floridians with plans to travel by vehicle may find themselves paying more at the pumps. Over the last week or so, gas prices climbed by 10 cents in Florida, AAA reported.

"We saw sharp overnight increases at the pumps in Florida, due to rising oil prices," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group.

AAA estimates motorists will find the highest holiday gas prices in 2 to 3 years. Back in 2015, the price for a gallon of regular gas on Christmas Day was about $2.01 in Florida. As of Sunday, Dec. 18, the average price in Florida was $2.32.

The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Friday, Dec. 23 to Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 — one fewer day than last year.

AAA expects to rescue more than 980,000 motorists over the 11-day holiday travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.

The motor group offers these tips for drivers planning holiday trips:

• Check windshield wipers and inspect tires before setting out
• If heading into an area with a snowy climate, pack an emergency kit containing a snow shovel, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, warning devices and extra warm clothing for everyone riding in the vehicle
• When driving, slow down and do not tailgate
• Leave following distances to a minimum of five to six seconds to allow additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary
• Minimize distractions while behind the wheel

Weather forecasts in the Tampa Bay area call for a balmy Christmas Day. Sunday’s high is expected to climb to about 84 degrees in much of the region.

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