Latest news with #AAATexas
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
AAA: What Texans can expect for Memorial Day travel
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Memorial Day weekend 2025 is projected to see 3.7 million Texans travel from May 22-26; here are the changes AAA expects to see regarding gas prices, travel costs and traffic. LIST: Memorial Day events in East Texas Memorial Day is a sacred holiday that is dedicated to honoring the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Many Texans will honor their fallen service members by enjoying a day off from work at the beach, local park or just having a classic cookout in the backyard. No matter how Texans choose to celebrate, chances are they will be doing some traveling beforehand. This year is going to see some travel cost fluctuation with an 8% decrease in car rental prices and a 2% increase in airfare charges. Tyler residents have noticed an increase in gas prices over the last week, averaging around $2.64 a gallon, but this is actually cheaper than last year's Memorial Day prices, according to AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. 'Prices are about 35 cents cheaper on average per gallon in East Texas going into this Memorial Day,' Armbruster said. SFA forced to cut several athletic programs due to ongoing budget concerns Even though over 300,000 Texans will travel through the air and 160,000 will move by train, bus or cruise, 3.2 million drivers will still be on the road this weekend. For those traveling through popular East Texas adjacent areas such as Houston, Austin or San Antonio, Armbruster recommends leaving earlier than everyone else. 'Your afternoon and evenings, especially around major metropolitan areas are going to be busier, the best time to leave is going to be in the morning, likely before noon,' Armbruster said.' Read this other article to learn more about how to be prepared for unexpected car trouble this weekend. . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
AAA expects record 3.7M Texans to travel Memorial Day weekend. See best times to travel
Millions of Americans are preparing to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend. Are you prepared for one of the busiest holidays of the year? Here's what to know if you're traveling this holiday. According to AAA, 3.7 million Texans will travel over the Memorial Day holiday period between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26, a 3% increase from 2024. This is the third straight year of record-breaking travel for this holiday statewide. About 45.1 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend, a 3.1% increase from 2024 and a new national record for this holiday period, AAA data shows. It surpasses the previous record of 44 million set in 2005. Galen Grillo, AAA Texas vice president and general manager, says Texans should expect some relief at the pump, but pay more at the airport. 'Texans continue to prioritize travel with family and friends after the pandemic," Grillo said. "This year, consumers will get some price relief at the gas pump, car rental counter, and when flying internationally, but they will spend more on domestic flights, hotels, cruises and tours compared to 2024.' According to AAA data, here are the top domestic destinations for Americans this upcoming Memorial Day weekend: Orlando Seattle New York Las Vegas Miami Texans are expected to travel by car more than by plane for Memorial Day weekend due to several factors. Some key reasons for this trend include: Lower gas prices: According to Gasbuddy, Texas gas prices are lower than last year, making road trips more affordable. Convenience and flexibility: Driving allows travelers to avoid airport crowds, flight delays, and baggage restrictions while offering more control over their schedules. Popular road trip destinations: Many Texans are heading to beach towns like Galveston or between metro areas such as Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, which are easily accessible by car. Post-pandemic travel preferences: Texans continue to prioritize family and friend gatherings, and road trips provide a more comfortable and social travel experience. Airports are gearing up for a surge in travelers as AAA forecasts 3.61 million air passengers this holiday weekend, a 1.8% rise from 2024 and a 12.3% increase compared with 2019. Over 39 million drivers are expected to hit the road for the Memorial Day holiday. It's a 3% increase from last year and a 4.6% boost from 2019. The current average for Texas gas prices is $2.72, while the national average is $3.15. Here are the cities that have the cheapest gas while traveling in Texas: According to GasBuddy, here are the top 10 places to get cheaper fuel during Memorial Day weekend: Exxon (Beaumont): $2.29 per gallon Texaco (Houston): $2.29 per gallon Mobil (Houston): $2.29 per gallon Shell (Willis): $2.29 per gallon Valero (Baytown): $2.29 per gallon 7-Eleven (Corpus Christi): $2.32 per gallon Super 1 Foods (Texarkana): $2.33 per gallon Stripes (Pharr): $2.34 per gallon Walmart (Hidalgo): $2.34 per gallon Circle K (Pharr): $2.34 per gallon AAA recommends leaving during the following times: Before noon on Thursday, May 22nd. Before 11 a.m. on Friday, May 23rd. Before noon on Saturday, May 24th. Before 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 25th. Before 2 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday of May. This year, it falls on May 26. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: AAA: Record 3.7M Texans expected to travel during Memorial Day weekend
CBS News
20-05-2025
- CBS News
Record-breaking number of Texans to travel for Memorial Day weekend, AAA says
A record number of Texans are expected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday period, according to AAA Texas. Over 3.7 million are planning to hit the road, skies and lakes between May 22 and May 26, a 3% increase from last year. It's the third straight year of record-breaking travel in Texas. Most travelers, 3.2 million to be exact, are likely to hit the road. Just over 300,000 are likely to fly and 160,000 will travel by train or other form of transportation. Across the U.S., AAA said it projects 45.1 million Americans will travel during the same period. It's a 3.1% increase from last year and sets a new national record for Memorial Day travel, beating the previous record of 44 million set in 2005. The busiest time to travel will be when many are kicking off the long weekend – Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23, AAA said. In Texas, the busiest roadway is expected to be I-45 South, from Houston to Galveston on Sunday, May 25. The best time to travel if you're taking to the road is Thursday, May 22, before 12 p.m.; Friday, May 23, before 11 a.m.; Saturday, May 24, before 12 p.m.; Sunday, May 25, before 1 p.m.; and Monday, May 26, before 2 p.m. "Texans continue to prioritize travel with family and friends after the pandemic," said Galen Grillo, AAA Texas vice president and general manager. "This year, consumers will get some price relief at the gas pump, car rental counter, and when flying internationally, but they will spend more on domestic flights, hotels, cruises and tours compared to 2024." Travelers could spend less this Memorial Day weekend In Texas, gas prices are about 50 cents less than the same time last year. The same goes for gas prices across the U.S. Gas isn't the only thing travelers are spending less on. Car rentals, international cruises and international airfare are also costing less, according to AAA. Meanwhile, travelers are spending more on domestic airfare, domestic cruises, domestic hotels, international hotels, and domestic and international tours.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why gas prices went up in North Texas
The Brief Gas prices in North Texas are on the rise. The average price, according to AAA Texas, jumped about 20 cents in one week. Some have speculated that uncertainty about tariffs is the reason behind the price jumps. AAA Texas said it's due to the change in the summer gas blend. The timing of the jump is just a coincidence. DALLAS - The rise in gas prices in North Texas and across the country has many people speculating. But at this point, experts don't believe tariffs are the reason. By the numbers The average price for a gallon of regular gas in North Texas is now $3.04, although some places are higher than that. Last week, the average price was $2.81 Texas is below the national average which is below the national average of $3.26. Dig deeper With all the news about the economy reacting to President Donald Trump's tariffs threat, FOX 4 asked Daniel Armbruster with AAA Texas if that is part of the reason for the gas jump. "At this point, we don't believe that tariffs are having an impact on the price of gasoline. Of course, that could change. But right now, we do not see that," he said. "The switch over to summer blend gasoline is underway. It does create a situation where gas prices on the retail level increase anywhere from 15 to 25 cents, usually for a gallon of regular unleaded." Armbruster said the summer blend's impact at the pump is being seen later than this time last year. He expects prices will continue to fluctuate until the fall. What they're saying It wasn't hard for FOX 4 to find drivers willing to talk about the prices at the pump. "Not too much, but they have raised up in the last week or so," said Kendall LaShay. Tamara Stephens said she typically notices a change after Easter. "But we haven't gotten our eggs yet. And the eggs are crazy. Gas and eggs," she said. "I use premium because of the car that I have and last week it was at $3.57. Right now, it's at $3.70. So, if it goes up any more, the car may go," added Renee Arellano. The Source The information in this story comes from AAA Texas and North Texas drivers.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Safety advocates urge passage of hands-free cellphone law
The Brief A call to action was made by a group of roadway safety advocates SB 47 would amend the current law by restricting cell phone use in vehicles to only hands-free devices. It's called the Allie's Way Act AUSTIN, Texas - A Round Rock mom who lost her daughter to a distracted driver has joined an effort to create a statewide, hands-free phone law. The call to action was made at the state capitol by a group of roadway safety advocates. What they're saying "Having to be on your phone all the time in the car is an addiction, just like drugs. It's a growing epidemic," said Karin Zaltsman who lost her daughter in a San Antonio crash. Attempts to address that epidemic started more than 10 years ago. Several cities across Texas had ordinances restricting or outright banning cellphone use while driving. Austin was one of them. But at the state capitol, those local efforts, which were described as patch work and government overreach, were scaled back to a ban on texting while driving. The only total ban is in school zones during school hours. "The current statewide texting bill, enacted in 2017, is a step in the right direction, but it's limited in what it prohibits," said Kara Thorp with AAA Texas. The backstory SB 47 would amend the current law by restricting cell phone use in vehicles to only hands-free devices. It's called the Allie's Way Act. "We could make history with this bill," said Jamie White. Jamie White is involved in the reform effort because of what happened to her daughter, 2-year-old Allie. She was killed in a Round Rock parking lot back in 2019 while walking with her father. "My husband was actually trying to pull her out of the way. This driver was so distracted that the kids in the back of her car were even screaming at her to get off the phone before she ran over my daughter in front of my husband," said White. Under current Texas law, a distracted driving charge is not limited to texting. There are several actions done while traveling behind the wheel that could cause a citation: Texting while driving Being sleepy. Eating and drinking. Putting on makeup/ brushing hair. Reaching for an object or a pet. Adjusting the radio. Talking to a passenger. "Nationally, distracted driving kills over 3,300 people, or about nine people per day, including 400 Texans. In 2023. It also caused serious injury to 2,800 worth noting, however, that these numbers are likely significantly higher in reality, because when police are filling out their crash reports, it's unlikely that a driver is going to admit to being on their cell phone," said Thorp. The Allie's Way Act could make enforcement less subjective, according to safety advocates like Jamie White. "This is senseless. So, this bill would save lives. It would produce the consequences needed because Allie's killer got nothing. Walked away, killed my child and walked away Scot-free. Something needs to happen," said White. What's next Twenty-nine states have "Hands-Free Laws" on the books. The Allie's Way Act was filed by Senator Judith Zaffirini (D) Laredo, and is currently awaiting a hearing in the Senate State Affairs committee. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski
