May 18, 2022 -The unofficial start of summer is here and with it, plenty of travel plans for Memorial Day. According to AAA’s first travel forecast of the summer season, more than 1.48 Ohioans will travel (50 miles or more) over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, representing a 6.9 percent increase over last year. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 26 to Monday, May 30.

“Ohioans are ready to kick off the Memorial Day weekend with a trip,” said Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager. “After a long winter and cold spring, locals are ready to pack up the car, or catch a flight, a bus or a train in order to enjoy the warmer weather." 

National and Ohio travel data:

Busiest travel days/times will be Thursday and Friday (May 26 and 27), as afternoon commuters mix with holiday travelers.

Nationwide, AAA is predicting 39.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend. This is an increase of 8.3% over 2021, bringing travel volumes almost in line with those in 2017.

Higher Gas Prices Not Deterring Travelers

The Ohioans who will travel by car will not be deterred by the recent increase in prices at the pump. AAA expects the Great American Road Trip will be the way to go.

“Despite gas prices being over $4 a gallon, drivers will continue to use it as the preferred mode of transportation leading into Memorial Day holiday weekend, Hitchens says.

Historical Memorial Day Gas Prices*

*Powered by OPIS an IHS Markit Company

Road Trip Ready

While some maintenance and repair tasks are best left to certified automotive technicians, there are several basic items motorists can easily check themselves between trips to their auto repair facility, including the following:

Windshield Wiper Blades – If wiper blades are worn, cracked or rigid with age, they will not adequately remove rain, grime and other debris that can obscure driver vision. If the wiper blades are sufficiently deteriorated, the metal wiper blade frame could contact and permanently damage the windshield.

Tire Pressure – Check and adjust tire pressure, including the spare. Always inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings—not the maximum pressure molded on the side of the tire.

Tire Tread – Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington’s head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington’s head. If any of the area above Washington’s head is visible, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.

Battery – Have your battery checked, especially if it is over three years old. Summer heat breaks down the battery internally and accelerates the rate of corrosion on vehicle’s battery terminals.

Travel Planning Resources

AAA recommends motorists have their vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as a local AAA Car Care Center or one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit. The London-based business information provider teamed with AAA to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades.