Fewer people expected to take to the roads Labor Day weekend

As drivers take to the roads this Labor Day weekend, Virginia State Police are hoping that a trend to lower traffic deaths will continue.

The traditional last blast of summer is expected to draw 735,000 people from the Washington area to the roads, according to AAA-Mid Atlantic spokesman John Townsend.

That number is down this year over last because the holiday falls later on the calendar, and some school systems in the region have already begun classes.
Prince William County Public Schools begin classes Sept. 8.

In 2008, seven people were killed in Virginia traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend, marking the lowest fatality rate since 2001. In the past four years, 2007 saw the highest number of fatalities, at 22, according to state police.

“While Virginia continues to experience a drop in traffic crashes this year as we did last year, all drivers must remain vigilant in their efforts to make safety a priority on the road,” stated Virginia State Police superintendent Col. W. Steven Flaherty, in a press release. “Motorists should not become complacent, rather they should remain alert, limit distractions on the road and buckle up.”

On Wednesday the Virginia State Police began its annual five-month Checkpoint Strikeforce, targeting drunken drivers. Labor Day is historically one of the deadliest drunken driving holidays of the year.

Starting tomorrow, state police will also begin to take part in the national effort Operation C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort. The state sponsored program aims to reduce crashes and traffic deaths caused by speeding.

Last year 8,492 speeders, 2,407 reckless drivers, 137 drunken drivers, 896 seat belt violators and 271 drivers with child safety seat violations were stopped, according to the Virginia State Police.

Townsend said more people are expected to travel this weekend than travelled over the Memorial Day holiday, but fewer of them will take to the skies.

The automobile club estimates the region’s three airports will see a slight decline in air travelers, as 21.2 percent fewer people are expected to fly to their end of summer getaways, said Townsend.

The increase in auto travel can also be attributed to the price of fuel at the pump, said Townsend.

Gas prices in the Washington area are averaging $2.61 per gallon for regular unleaded, compared to an average of $3.59 per gallon last year.

And travelers who go more than 50 miles away from home will find more deals during their vacation, most of which will be found at hotels and resorts, said Townsend.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says 31 percent of those who travel this weekend will be headed to the beach, while another 25 percent of travelers will venture out for sightseeing.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.