Millions of Americans are expected to hit the road for the extended Memorial Day Weekend, with travel levels predicted to reach pre-pandemic levels, despite rising COVID-19 numbers, gas prices and cost of travel.
3.1 million Southern Californians are amongst those ballooning numbers of travelers, with the majority of travel anticipated for Friday afternoon, when AAA suggests freeways in the area will experience double their normal volume of traffic. For those expected to get to their destinations via car, gas prices remain at all-time highs in most Southern California regions, with Los Angeles County averages leading the way at $6.10 per gallon, followed by Ventura County , Orange County and the Inland Empire . Nationwide averages show $4.60 per gallon.
In response, local law enforcement is expected to be out in full force, as California Highway Patrol enacts their annual"maximum enforcement period," beginning Friday evening and expected to end Monday evening as they look to crackdown on impaired motorists or other traffic violators.
And covid-19 case numbers going up