Hudson Valley Ready For Labor Day Weekend Travel As Gas Prices Drop

GARDEN CITY, NY — Hudson Valley residents are ready to grab the final rays of summer (unofficial) sunlight.

Roads will be jam-packed throughout Labor Day Weekend, AAA said. The busiest days are expected to be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, according to data from INRIX.

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”

National gas prices are 47 cents per gallon cheaper than this time last year at $3.35. The New York average is $3.50. It's $3.64 in White Plains — compared to $3.95 this time a year ago.

Steady supply and low oil costs may cause pump prices to slide further, AAA said.

Domestic rental car rates are 16 percent lower than Labor Day Weekend a year ago, adding to packed highways.

If you're heading to your destination this weekend, keep in mind that the worst travel times are typically 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and Saturday from 8-11 a.m.

Vehicle breakdowns are always stress-induced, they are more complicated with bumper-to-bumper traffic.

"It can also be extremely dangerous with large trucks and passenger vehicles speeding past the stranded driver," Robert Sinclair, Jr. of AAA Northeast, said. "All 50 states have some form of the slow down move over law to help increase safety for motorists and first responders at the roadside."

Speaking of bumper-to-bumper, here's a fun tip: