With Christmas just days away, Triple AAA expects a record-breaking number of travelers to end 2024.
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They expect starting this weekend until January 1st, more than 7 million Floridians will travel longer distances and more than 380,000 travelers will hit the skies.
Across the country, Triple AAA expects 3 million more travelers this year than in 2023. The president of Triple AAA said all travelers should expect longer lines in airports and heavier traffic on the roadways.
Holiday travelers should be prepared for extended delays, that is for drivers and people hitting the skies.
Jax resident Kelly Rogers said she ran into heavy traffic first and later, airport delays.
“We went from a 15-minute delay to a 30-minute delay and now an hour delay. My daughter is flying into JFK and I know there was some snow this morning and possibly an ice storm tonight,” said Rogers.
Another traveler from South Georgia Sullivan Ammerman said he anticipates heavy traffic Saturday morning on his way back to the Jacksonville International Airport after just missing his flight.
Meanwhile, on the roads, Florida Highway Patrol troopers are increasing their presence on Northeast Florida Roads.
According to Nationwide Insurance, we are approaching one of the most dangerous holiday weekends, based on claims received.
FHP leaders said administrative jobs within the agency will be paused briefly, and those staffers will be on the roadways patrolling and looking for dangerous drivers.
Drivers will see what FHP calls “DUI-focused wolf packs.” They are concentrated patrols that will be looking for drunk drivers to ensure everyone has a safe holiday.
FHP spokesperson Dylan Bryan said troopers see a mix of hazardous driving during the holiday season. Aside of distracted and drunk driving, drowsy driving increases around this time. He stresses being sleepy behind the wheel can be just as deadly as drunk driving.
“We want to ensure you have a plan ahead for sober driving to get you home safely, whether it be another family member who’s not drinking rideshare programs,” said Brian.
Nationwide insurance also said both weekends before and after Christmas are traditionally the busiest for travel on roads. FHP also said the Wolfpack operations will begin Friday evening and end as late as 4 AM Saturday morning.
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