May 22, 2009 11:03 am US/Eastern
Americans Gear Up For Memorial Day Weekend
Gas Prices Not Expected To Deter Motorists
Reporting
Jay Dow
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Millions of Americans are getting a jump start on their long Memorial Day weekend, but despite incentives like cheaper airfares, hotels and car rentals, many in our area are expected to stay close to home.
On the cusp of the official start of the summer travel season, it seems like it's the same old story.
"It's an annual situation. I guess it's about that time, Memorial Day is around the corner," said Mike Rozen of White Plains.
Over the last few weeks, gas prices have crept up about a penny a day, to a current national average of $2.36 a gallon for regular unleaded.
Analysts say because of the ongoing economic recession, don't expect prices to spike as they did this time last year when drivers were paying $3.80 a gallon.
"Not bad compared to what it was, hoping it won't go back to what it was," said Mamaroneck resident Billie Schmeling.
AAA said tough economic times will also encourage more families to ditch the airport and stick to a road trip this weekend, estimating a national 1.5% increase in travel for trips 50 miles or more away from home.
That isn't the case in New Jersey, where AAA predicts a decrease in holiday travel.
However, don't blame fears of traffic on the Garden State Parkway's notoriously bottle-necked Driscoll Bridge. After seven years and $225 million, construction crews finally finished the project, just in time for the holiday weekend.
State transportation officials said the Driscoll now has a greater capacity than the George Washington Bridge.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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