Latest news with #AAAMid-Atlantic
Axios
21-05-2025
- Axios
The best times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day vacation
Memorial Day travel is on course to be busier than ever. Why it matters: More than 525,000 people in the Philly metro are expected to travel from Thursday through Monday, per AAA. That's up 3% over last year and would be a record high for the long weekend. State of play: Despite rising prices and economic uncertainty, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Jana Tidwell tells Axios people don't want to give up traveling, especially in the post-pandemic world. "They're going to do it in a way that works for their budget," she said. "People will find a way to [travel]." 📈 Zoom out: AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and May 26 — a new record. That's up by 1.4 million travelers over last year. 🚗 Zoom in: Cars are the preferred mode of travel in the region this weekend, per AAA. 9 out of 10 are projected to drive to their destinations. 🏖️ Travel hotspot: The Jersey Shore is the place to be this weekend — duh. Congestion along the Atlantic City Expressway will be the worst in the region during the holiday, per AAA. Monday at noon is pegged as the worst time to drive along this route. Pro tip: Hitting the road in morning is generally your best bet to beat traffic, per Inrix, which crunches transportation data. The overall best times to drive: Before noon on Thursday and Saturday. Friday: Before 11am Sunday: Before 1pm Monday: Before 2pm The worst times to drive: 1–9pm on Thursday. Friday: Noon–8pm Saturday: 2pm–6pm Sunday: 1–5pm Monday: 4–7pm ✈️ Meanwhile, 38,000 people in the region will travel by plane this weekend — up 1.2% over last year. Worth noting: Philadelphia International Airport will add new daily service to Edinburgh, Scotland, and Milan, Italy, starting Saturday. Plus: American Airlines opens its Admirals Club Lounge and Flagship Lounge on Thursday. The Chase Sapphire Lounge opened in February.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
VSP reminds motorists to drive safe and sober Memorial Day weekend
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)– As we head into Memorial Day weekend and the summer, Virginia State Police (VSP) is reminding motorists to drive safe and sober. In 2024, there were 13 fatalities on Virginia roadways during the four-day statistical counting period for the Memorial Day holiday. In a seven-day period right after Memorial Day 2024, VSP investigated an additional 25 fatalities. 'This is a tremendously busy time of year, with graduations, vacations, parties and moves,' said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. 'We need Virginians to slow down, to exercise patience, drive safely and arrive alive. We would rather you arrive late and alive than not at all.' More than 90 drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence during Memorial Day in 2024. Troopers cited over 3,500 drivers for speeding and over 1,400 drivers for reckless driving. 303 drivers were cited for violating the 'hands-free' phone law. AAA Mid-Atlantic is forecasting over a million Virginians will be heading out on trips over the Memorial Day holiday. Majority will be driving, meaning traffic will be heavy, and patience will be needed. Beginning Friday, VSP will join law enforcement around the country for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. The 2025 Memorial Day statistical counting period begins at 12:01 a.m. on May 23 and continues through midnight Monday, May 26, 2025. All available state police troopers and supervisors will be on patrol through the holiday weekend to help keep traffic moving safely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
American Military News
06-05-2025
- American Military News
US air traveler alert: REAL ID deadline is Wednesday, May 7
Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said AAA is reminding Pennsylvanians that federal enforcement of REAL ID begins this week, requiring domestic air travelers to have a REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable identification. Beginning Wednesday, May 7, all U.S. residents will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, photo ID card or another form of federally accepted identification — such as a valid passport or military ID — to board domestic commercial flights. Last week, Mark C. Bailer, director of public safety at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, advised the Bi-County Airport Board to inform their constituents to be ready for the mandatory start of REAL ID. 'Customers without REAL ID will still be able to fly, but the process will be twice as long to get through security,' Bailer said. With federal REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation secretary, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and the American Automobile Association, recently encouraged Pennsylvanians to be prepared. 'Travelers should check their forms of identification to be sure it's acceptable when going through TSA security checkpoints,' Tidwell said. 'If air travel is in your future, especially this summer, obtaining a REAL ID ahead of time will ensure you don't experience any travel delays or postponements. A REAL ID or valid passport, will be required for all domestic flights beginning on May 7.' What is REAL ID? REAL ID Act is a federal law that sets minimum security standards for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards used for specific federal purposes: —Boarding a domestic commercial flight. —Entering a secure federal building. —Accessing military installations. REAL ID-compliant cards: —Feature a gold star. —Produced using the same security features as standard-issued products. —After March 2019, standard-issue, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards will also look different. Per federal REAL ID regulations, non-REAL IDs must be clearly labeled with the words 'NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES.' It is NOT necessary to have a REAL ID to: —Drive —Vote —Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled (Veterans' Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.) —Visit the post office —Access hospitals —Access federal courts, testify in federal court, etc. What is the process to apply for a REAL ID? The first step in the process to receiving a REAL ID is verification. Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center or REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged. Applicants need to bring the following documents: —An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal OR a valid U.S. passport —Social security card (can be laminated or unlaminated) in current legal name —Proof of legal name changes such as a certified marriage certificate or court order —Two proofs of address such as a current driver's license or ID card, a bank statement or utility bill less than 90 days old. For info on required documents, visit Receiving your REAL ID When you visit a PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. When visiting a REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID at the time of service. If you have already had your documents verified and imaged, you can apply for a REAL ID online. Your REAL ID product will be mailed within 15 business days. The REAL ID card costs $30 (one-time fee), plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID). The time for the new card will be added to any time left on the existing card (driver's license or non-driver ID) so applicants won't lose time they previously purchased. ___ © 2025 The Times Leader Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
U.S. air traveler alert: REAL ID deadline is Wednesday, May 7
May 5—WILKES-BARRE — Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said AAA is reminding Pennsylvanians that federal enforcement of REAL ID begins this week, requiring domestic air travelers to have a REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable identification. Beginning Wednesday, May 7, all U.S. residents will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, photo ID card or another form of federally accepted identification — such as a valid passport or military ID — to board domestic commercial flights. Last week, Mark C. Bailer, director of public safety at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, advised the Bi-County Airport Board to inform their constituents to be ready for the mandatory start of REAL ID. "Customers without REAL ID will still be able to fly, but the process will be twice as long to get through security," Bailer said. With federal REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation secretary, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and the American Automobile Association, recently encouraged Pennsylvanians to be prepared. "Travelers should check their forms of identification to be sure it's acceptable when going through TSA security checkpoints," Tidwell said. "If air travel is in your future, especially this summer, obtaining a REAL ID ahead of time will ensure you don't experience any travel delays or postponements. A REAL ID or valid passport, will be required for all domestic flights beginning on May 7." What is REAL ID? REAL ID Act is a federal law that sets minimum security standards for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards used for specific federal purposes: —Boarding a domestic commercial flight. —Entering a secure federal building. —Accessing military installations. REAL ID-compliant cards: —Feature a gold star. —Produced using the same security features as standard-issued products. —After March 2019, standard-issue, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards will also look different. Per federal REAL ID regulations, non-REAL IDs must be clearly labeled with the words "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES." It is NOT necessary to have a REAL ID to: —Drive —Vote —Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled (Veterans' Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.) —Visit the post office —Access hospitals —Access federal courts, testify in federal court, etc. What is the process to apply for a REAL ID? The first step in the process to receiving a REAL ID is verification. Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center or REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged. Applicants need to bring the following documents: —An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal OR a valid U.S. passport —Social security card (can be laminated or unlaminated) in current legal name —Proof of legal name changes such as a certified marriage certificate or court order —Two proofs of address such as a current driver's license or ID card, a bank statement or utility bill less than 90 days old. For info on required documents, visit Receiving your REAL ID When you visit a PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. When visiting a REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID at the time of service. If you have already had your documents verified and imaged, you can apply for a REAL ID online. Your REAL ID product will be mailed within 15 business days. The REAL ID card costs $30 (one-time fee), plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID). The time for the new card will be added to any time left on the existing card (driver's license or non-driver ID) so applicants won't lose time they previously purchased. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bill OBoyle: Celebrate the Irish; but be safe
Mar. 8—WILKES-BARRE — Two huge St. Patrick's Day parades are this weekend — one was held yesterday in Scranton, and the other is set for today in Wilkes-Barre. Bagpipers, Irish dancers and leprechauns everywhere are bound to be exhausted. It's truly a weekend of celebration. Let's hope everyone behaves and make it back to work Monday morning. After all of the wearin' o' the green and everything else Irish for two days, we still have a week before we celebrate the actual St. Patrick's Day on March 17. That's when ham or corned beef and cabbage will be sellin' like hotcakes, and green beer will be flowing everywhere. Back in the day, the Irish holiday was celebrated in our house in a traditional, low-key manner. Dad was of Irish/Welsh heritage, and Mom was Polish. But back then, like today, March 17 was a day when everybody was Irish, so to speak. The old saying in Irish households that I recall was that there are two kinds of people — the Irish and those who wish they were Irish. Let me just say, that's all a bunch of blarney. A couple of years ago, there was a survey that claimed that Pennsylvania finished No. 1 as the state that drinks the most on St. Patrick's Day. (hic!) Well, that's not quite the sort of thing we should use to market ourselves when seeking to attract large employers to the Keystone State. And I'm really not sure we really deserved that ranking. Yes, there are times when it seems it is a deserving title — March 17 sure is one of those days. So let's hop in the Way Back Machine and head to St. Patrick's Day 1963, when dinner is being served — ham and cabbage with carrots and potatoes. My dad never wore his Irish heritage on his sleeve. Oh, he celebrated, but he did not make a big deal out of it. Nor did my mom two days later, on March 19, St. Joseph's Day, commemorating the patron saint of Poland. Yes, I try to wear green on March 17 and red on March 19. So, as you head out for your St. Patrick's celebration, a few more libations may be consumed. But always make moderation your mission. That will assure your safety and the safety of those around you — especially on the highways. And you will return next year for yet another celebration. Whether it be wearing a shamrock, or a claddagh ring, a Celtic cross, or carrying a shillelagh, enjoy this time and be sensible in your celebration. To me, being Irish is much more than socially challenging practices. My favorite Irish quote: "It's my rule never to lose me temper till it would be detrimental to keep it." But the main thing is we must all find a way to celebrate and remain safe — which also applies to today's time change. Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, reminded drivers this week to stay focused behind the wheel. She said that with the time change impacting sleep patterns and daylight hours, drivers and pedestrians may be at a greater risk of the dangers associated with drowsy driving. To protect yourself and others, AAA recommends drivers commit to these safe driving practices: Avoid Distractions: Drivers should not use a cell phone while behind the wheel. 93% of drivers recognize the dangers of texting, emailing, and reading while driving, but 37% reported reading a text/email while driving in the past 30 days. "The text isn't worth putting yourself and everyone in and around that road at risk," says Tidwell. Obey Speed Limits: Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash. Drive Sober: 95% of drivers overwhelmingly perceive drunk driving as dangerous and socially unacceptable. Buckle Up for Every Ride: It does not matter where in the vehicle you are seated. A properly worn seatbelt is the most effective way to survive a traffic crash. So go out and celebrate. Have fun. Enjoy. Be Irish for a day or two, but always be responsible and be safe! Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
