December is around the corner, and it can only mean one thing: the holidays. Now, as we begin to settle into the spirit of the holidays, the majority would travel across states to catch up with family and friends. But before we swell the city streets with traffic and bustling honks, experts have released a note of warning no one can afford to miss.
Travel forecast going into early December
The holiday season in December is one of the most peculiar periods throughout the year. We get to retire from work and professional activities, and for a moment, one actually gets to have fun. However, while you prepare for this spirit, it is important to remember that millions of people across America share these same expectations.
Therefore, while we gather to travel across several states, it is expected that millions of other Americans are traveling as well. This makes traveling in December one of the busiest moments throughout the year. Last year, experts reported a large surge in transportation activity, and now experts warn that those numbers could increase this year.
According to the analysis, more than 100 million travelers were recorded on the road last year. With this figure, experts have conducted a survey that shows certain days would see higher traffic than the rest this December. This warning is not for casual road users alone; transportation industries are also preparing for traffic, delays, and logistical pressures.
Experts highlight dates for this traffic surge
This report comes particularly from the American Automobile Association (AAA). They share concerns about sharp surges in road transportation during the holidays. Even though it is commendable how committed Americans are to family, 82 million people hitting the road at once is nothing but complete immigration.
This year, AAA reports an additional 1.6 million domestic travelers, with 1.3 million added car commuters. Across major highways and airport roads, experts expect at least 119 million road commuters this year. Together, AAA is estimating an 89.6% increase. However, the days these surges would peak are predicted to be during the first two weeks of December, leading to this state’s new interstate minimum speed law.
In addition, transportation industries are already planning with feasible solutions. They’re not planning to make traveling impossible this December. What they hope to do is reduce the traffic densities and delays experienced annually. It is important to note that as the dates progress towards mid-December, the traffic will increase.
December traffic could affect transport costs
The surge in traffic this December period affects everything. According to a recent analysis by Upgrade Points, the traffic would affect even the cost of traveling. This particular concern is domestic travelers, both via road and flight. On average, transport cost is expected to increase by 55% across all states.
How travelers can prepare for this surge nationwide
Experts in the highway and airline authorities are urging travelers to arrange schedules only when necessary. There is no better way to put it. As December is fast approaching, travelers should decide on flexible plans and also alternatives when transportation is tight. Once the last month of the year hits, it may be too late and difficult to make these plans.
For drivers, experts have issued one simple piece of advice: the earlier a journey begins, the less likely the traffic pressure. The experience for most drivers throughout last year’s December was hectic. Experts don’t want this to repeat itself this year.
If the forecast holds, and one slacks in their schedule, December may be a fresh start to the holidays. Traveling mindfully through the first week would be a careless mistake. However, for those who are planning, do well to avoid those pressure dates. But altogether, make plans that would make December seamless to enjoy, you can look up the sky for the nationwide fireball meteor shower.
