Holiday travel rates depend on the region
Economy, individual finances play key role
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 10:32 AM PST
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| Traffic on Interstate 84 below East Idaho Avenue was at average capacity for the weekday afternoon Tuesday, just ahead of Thanksgiving Day travel. Highways in the region are expected to be in good condition during Thanksgiving. |
ONTARIO — The Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally a heavy travel weekend, but exactly how many people will be on the road will depend on the region and how the economy may be affecting individual finances.
For example, in the Pacific Region, which includes Oregon, Washington and California, the American Automobile Association estimates the people leaving home are quite different from the Intermountain West region, which includes Idaho, Nevada and Utah.
Pacific Region states are expected to show an 8.3 percent increase in holiday travel over last year, while Intermountain West states can only expect a .3 percent boost, just barely breaking even, AAA said.
In just Idaho, the estimate is an 1.2 percent increase in highway travel but a 8.3 percent decline in air travel.
Dave Carlson, AAA Idaho spokesperson, said the numbers illustrate the continuing decline in air travel over the past few years plus other factors.
“There are fewer seats available,” Carlson said.
One way the airlines are cutting costs is by reducing the number of flights, he noted.
“They are levying all kinds of fees,” he said.
Given the similarity in geography, Carlson agreed that travel estimates for Idaho were probably closer to what can be expected in Eastern Oregon than estimates for the Pacific states.
There will be an estimated 9.1 percent increase in motorists on the highways in West Coast states, and Ric Young, manager for Oregon Department of Transportation Maintenance District 14, Malheur, Harney and Grant counties, said he is happy that no weather problems are expected.
“It’s looking good,” Young said.
From what he has heard, the rest of the week is looking like it will be pretty decent.
“It looks like the crews will be home for Thanksgiving dinner,” he said.
AAA offers the following advice for holiday travelers in being prepared for winter travel.
— Plan ahead: Get directions for destination, gas station locations and prices, maps and other helps.
— Make sure the vehicle is ready to go — check batteries, tires and fluid levels.
Take a winter driving kit, including jumper cables, traction mats, water, blankets, a flashlight with new batteries and a cell phone — make sure battery is charged up.
— Buckle up.
— Prepare yourself: Dress in layers and dress according to your destination. Let someone know the destination, time of departure, route and expected time of arrival.
