AAA Carolinas officials are predicting fewer North Carolinians will travel this Christmas, with 1.9 million people in the state traveling -- down 22,000 from last year.
Travelers in the Southeastern United States have been predicted to move in the largest numbers according to AAA's annual estimate.
Nationally, the organization is projecting a slight decline in the number of Americans traveling, with nearly 63.9 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home during the busy holiday travel period.
The Scotland/Richmond County Highway Patrol offices are in the middle of a 35 day "enforcement blitz" aimed at making sure the people who do take to the roads this Holiday Season are safe.
According to 1st Sgt. Mark Leach, ensuring safety is done in large part by "aggressively looking for speeding violations, people not wearing seat belts, and those who drink and drive."
Leach acknowledged that while there is nothing wrong with enjoying the many company and private parties that take place during December and into the New Year, drivers should use their common sense and not drink and drive.
"Find someone who hasn't been drinking to drive you," Leach suggested.
"Our goal is always to ensure the safety of people traveling from one point to another," he reminded.
Those North Carolina drivers whose blood alcohol level is above .08, and those who refuse to be tested are subject to immediate license revocation.
Despite the predicted decline in travelers, the Highway Patrol is not changing their high level of enforcement.
The 63.9 Americans expected to travel long distances this Christmas season represent a 1.4 million driver decrease in travelers.
"Without question, the economic downturn of 2008 eroded the discretionary income many Americans would have spent on travel and, for some, altered their travel plans throughout the year," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "However, those traveling this holiday season can take advantage of declining hotel rates and fuel prices more than a dollar per gallon less than a year ago."
Travelers will also be taking advantage of gas prices which are, on average, 50 cents less than they were only one month ago.
Those who have not flown in a while are advised by AAA to check with their airline or travel counselor about additional fees before booking a trip. According to AAA, most airlines are continuing the recent trend of charging fees for checked baggage and other previously complimentary services like beverages and snacks thanks to the tough economic times.
The Southeast is predicted to produce 14.1 million auto travelers and 2.5 million air travelers, the most in each category.
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