WASHINGTON —
Headed out of town? Well if you're planning to drive, you won't be alone. AAA estimates nearly 113 million people will travel 50 miles from home or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.
Here across the DMV, it's estimated 2.5 million area residents will travel during that time span. AAA says 2.2 million of them, or 90% will drive.
According to AAA, the worst day and time to hit the roads is Friday, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Add in the rough weather headed our way and Ragina Ali with AAA says you can expect a mess.
"It's certainly a possible recipe for extreme congestion on our roadways."
Ali told WUSA9 that AAA expects "to come to the rescue of probably 28,000 drivers in the DMV area alone." She recommended everyone check their car battery and their car tires before heading out on the roadways. She also recommends having a car emergency kit.
She says if you see someone stranded on the side of the road with their hazards on, move over.
"It's a law in every single state in our country where drivers are required to slow down and move over if they see law enforcement or emergency vehicles. It also applies to tow truck drivers. In Maryland, it also applies to drivers stuck on the side of the road. It is incumbent for all drivers to slow down and if safe to do so move over one lane," said Ali.
Despite all the bad news for holiday travelers, there is one gift awaiting your road trip.
"We are paying the lowest gas prices we have paid not only nationally but also here in the region since October of 2021," said Ali.
According to GasBuddy.com Wednesday night, the average price for gas was $3.06 a gallon.
Locally: