Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, with record-breaking travel this summer continuing into this extended holiday weekend.
As people leave the city for the final holiday weekend of summer, police and AAA are warning everyone to stay prepared and focused to make sure they get to their destination safely.
Steve Peiffer says he’s now retired and has time to travel, and this weekend he’s planning a road trip through the Midwest with his family to see Mount Rushmore.
“I have the most talented brother-in-law in the state of Minnesota,” Peiffer said. “I’m going to sit in my car and have a snack.”
but, teeth AAA is reminding drivers to make sure they get regular maintenance on their vehicles to avoid being stranded on the roads over the busy holiday weekend.
AAA also reminds travelers to allow plenty of time to make sure their schedules work out.
“Patience is probably the most important thing, especially if you’re traveling by plane, and planning helps too. Keep in mind that people will be leaving early to enjoy their last weekend before school starts in earnest, before work starts again and before the travel season pauses for the holidays,” said AAA spokesman Brian Ortner.
Iowa State Police Trooper Bob Conrad says if you plan on driving, you should put your cell phone away, but keep it nearby in case you need to call 911 in an emergency.
He urges people to always keep their eyes on the road and wear their seat belts: State data shows that more than 43 percent of road fatalities this year involved people not wearing seat belts.
“Our goal over the holiday weekend is to get you there safely, travel, enjoy your family and friends, your final summer festivities, whatever you want to call it, so do it the right way, do it the right way and you’ll get out alive and that’s what we really want,” Officer Conrad said.
Now, this Labor Day, by following a few simple traffic laws, families like Peiffer’s can enjoy their holiday road trip and get home safely.
Gasoline prices are lower now than they were last year.
The average price of a gallon of gas across Iowa is more than 50 cents lower than it was on Labor Day last year, according to AAA.
