Nearly 42 million Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day weekend to kick off summer, according to AAA. And, according to global transportation analytics company INRIX, the 36.6 million of you hitting the road can expect to be sitting on major roadways three times longer than normal.

Travel Times and Fuel Costs Rising

This year’s travel period is set to be a little longer than previous years, according to INRIX Chief Economist and Head of Research, Graham Cookson.

“Drivers should expect congestion across a greater number of days than in previous years, with the getaway period starting on Wednesday, May 23,” said Cookson. “Ranked the most congested country in the world, US drivers are all too familiar with sitting in traffic. Our advice to drivers is to avoid peak commute times in major cities altogether.”

High Gas Prices Won’t Keep Americans Home Memorial Day WeekendNot only are US drivers going to be waiting on congested roadways as they travel this holiday weekend, they’re also going to be paying more at the pump than they have in four years. As of April, gas prices across the country averaged $2.72 per gallon, 33 cents higher than 2017. Higher gas prices aren’t curbing traveler’s plans this year, however. AAA estimates car travel to increase by five percent over last year, with 88 percent of the more than 41 million Memorial Day weekend travelers choosing to drive to their destinations.

“The highest gas prices since 2014 won’t keep travelers home this Memorial Day weekend,” said Bill Sutherland, senior vice president of AAA Travel and Publishing. “A strong economy and growing consumer confidence are giving Americans the motivation they need to kick off [the] summer travel season with a Memorial Day getaway.”

Exercise Caution While Traveling

AAA expects to receive more than 340,000 roadside assistance calls this Memorial Day weekend. So, before you get on the road, take all the precautions you can to avoid being one of these calls. To make sure your car is road trip ready, AAA says to remember a good BET. That is to have your Battery tested, Engine checked for leaks, and Tires checked for road-worthiness.

Need a Vacation-worthy Car?

If you’re dreaming of hitting the road this holiday weekend, but bad credit has you down, don’t sweat it. Memorial Day weekend can be a great time for start of summer auto sales, and Auto Credit Express wants to help you find the right dealer in your area.

We work with a nationwide network of special finance car dealers across the US that have lenders available that can work with credit-challenged consumers. Kick off your summer right by filling out our auto loan request form, and get a jump on a set of summer wheels today!