Vehicle Breakdowns Expected to Surge During Holiday Weekend

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO/AAA) — Close to a half million South Carolina motorists are expected to hit the roadways for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. That’s the highest number in nine years. A number also expected to surge this year is vehicle breakdowns, due to a brutal winter. An estimated 451,550 South Carolina motorists – a 1.8% increase over last year – and highest number in nine years – are expected to vacation by automobile this Memorial Day weekend, despite gas prices averaging $3.461 a gallon – 22 cents higher than last year. Following our harsh winter, AAA warns batteries weakened by cold will be especially vulnerable to expected temperatures this weekend over 90 degrees, especially in stop-and-go traffic. More than 13,000 motorists are predicted to break down in the Carolinas and ask AAA for help this holiday weekend. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of 100 deadliest days of driving for teens and nationally this weekend annually averages more than 400 traffic deaths overall and 42,000 significant injuries. Those numbers are likely to increase with this year’s holiday highway travel volume the highest since 2005. More than 88% of holiday travelers will drive. Last year 13 people died on South Carolina roadways during the Memorial Day holiday and 14 died in North Carolina – the most deadly Memorial Day totals in South Carolina in the past six years and in North Carolina in the past four years. South Carolina law enforcement will be out in force during the holiday looking for speeders and implementing its Buckle Up South Carolina campaign. Myrtle Beach has the South Carolina’s highest average gas price at $3.497 and the cheapest gas in the state is in Spartanburg at $3.413 a gallon. The South Carolina average of $3.461 is the 14th lowest in the country. “Holiday trips are about getting away and it is not a time to become stressed behind-the-wheel,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “Relax by making sure your car is ready for the trip, be mentally prepared for traffic delays you may encounter on the way to your destination and take a rest break every couple of hours to remain mentally alert.” A total of 514,000 South Carolinians are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home, with the top drive destinations Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, Gatlinburg TN and Williamsburg VA. Travelers need to beware of gasoline stations selling E15 gasoline, since it is now permitted by the federal government but can invalidate the warranty on many vehicles. Only 5% of the vehicles on the road today are approved by manufacturers to run on E15, which is gasoline with 15% ethanol made from corn to reduce America’s dependence on fossil fuels. Fifty-nine stations in twelve states, mostly in the Mid-west, are selling E15 fuel despite warnings by manufacturers and automotive experts of potential engine damage. Motorists should check decals on service station pumps to ensure they are using the proper fuel and check their owner’s manual for fuel information. This weekend shows an increase over last year in those flying to 32,300, up 2.7% from 31,450 last year. Other travel (bus, rail, maritime) is expected to also increase from 30,000 last year to 32,800 this year, up 9.3%. With river cruises soaring in popularity and famous European cities as launching points, the top three air destinations this month have been London, Paris and Rome, followed by Seattle and Orlando. Average national hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are up 2% to $169 per night, compared to $166 last year, while AAA Two Diamond hotel rates have risen 3% to $124 per night from $120 last year. Car rental rates will average $44 per day, up 1% from last year a Memorial Day weekend launches the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers, with seven of the 10 most deadly days of the year occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. One of the biggest contributing factors in fatal accidents involving teen drivers is the number of other teen passengers in the car. Fatal crash rates for 16- to 19-year-olds increase five times when two or more teen passengers are present, compared to driving alone. AAA recommends parents discuss this and other driver distraction issues, like texting or using a cell phone while driving, with their teens. On South Carolina’s multi-lane primary and interstate routes, lane closures are prohibited from noon on Friday to 6 a.m. Tuesday to minimize traffic back-ups.