AAA Carolinas said Holiday travel this year will be down compared to last year due to above average unemployment, higher gas prices and economic concerns.
Accoridng ot a press releease, more than 1.4 million South Carolinians are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home, a decrease of 4.7 percent (72,000) from last year.
More than 1.2 million are expected to drive during the 12-day holiday beginning Dec. 23 and ending Jan. 3, a 4.2 percent drop. Air travel is projected to decline 5.9 percent to 71,000 fliers.
An average of 2.5 traffic deaths a day have occurred during the past two years on South Carolina roads during this holiday period. AAA urges motorists to be patient with road congestion and obey all traffic laws.
"Our current economic conditions and future uncertainty are key components of travel expectations this year," says Dave Parsons, President and CEO of AAA Carolinas. "The state's economy is not recovering as quickly as hoped."
Travel predictions may be affected by severe winter weather. This past weekend's storm may alter plans with lingering effects on the air travel and road conditions.
The average gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in South Carolina is 87 cents higher than this time last year.
The most expensive average gas price in the state can be found in Charleston at $2.58, and the least expensive average gas price is in Spartanburg at $2.39.
Escalating airfares, smaller planes, fewer seats and a proliferation of extra fees has pushed some holiday air travelers to seek other forms of transportation.
Almost one in four flights nationally have arrived late so far this year according to an October Air Travel Consumer Report.
Carolina travelers are expected to log an average of 870 miles roundtrip during the holiday and spend an average of $934 per household for items such as fuel, accommodations, shopping, entertainment and other transportation costs.
This is slightly below the national average expenditure of $1,009.
Holiday travelers can expect to pay a dollar more on average for a car rental this year - $50.
Travelers seeking accommodations should expect average rates between 6% and 10% less compared to last year for two and three diamond AAA rated properties, respectively.
South Carolina highways witnessed over 35 fatalities during the 2007 and 2008 winter holiday seasons.
An average of almost 120 traffic injuries a day were reported in the state during the holidays. AAA Carolinas wants to remind everyone to drive carefully this year.
Drunk driving is a major problem during this travel period with holiday parties and New Year's celebrations. Remember to secure a designated driver or call a cab if you are going to consume alcohol.
South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) requires that all construction projects open as many lanes as possible during the busiest travel days.
The SCDOT also announces the opening of the Palmetto Parkway off I-20 near Aiken offering easier access to Augusta and Bush Field airport.
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