Memorial Day Travel Expected To Rebound In Light Of New CDC Guidelines

The past year presented numerous unique challenges. From stay-at-home orders to restrictions on inter-state travel to mask mandates. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) appears to be lifting these restrictions rapidly.

According to a recent news report, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people could stop wearing masks and no longer need to keep a social distance of six feet when around others. The CDC also explained that the risk for fully vaccinated travelers is quite low, provided they take the appropriate precautions. Undoubtedly, this is a welcome change for many who spent the last year cooped up at home. However, the CDC reminds travelers that there may still be state and local travel restrictions in place, so it is important to research a destination to ensure a smooth trip.

Given the new CDC guidance, more people are expected to resume their typical travel plans. According to an article by the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 37 million people will travel at least 50 miles over Memorial Day weekend. This represents an increase of over 50 percent from 2020 when just 23 million people traveled over the holiday weekend. The 2020 figures for Memorial Day travel were the lowest since the AAA began tracking this information in 2000. However, even if 37 million people take to the roads at the end of the month, it will still be a 13 percent decrease from the number of pre-pandemic travelers.

According to the AAA, the most common destinations for Memorial Day road trips include:

• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Orlando, Florida
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Denver, Colorado
• Nashville, Tennessee

The AAA also expects a modest increase in the number of air travelers. However, nine out of ten travelers will opt to drive to their destination of choice. Additionally, those who fly over Memorial Day weekend will be required to wear masks while on the plane.

Staying Safe on a Memorial Day Road Trip

While everyone is anxious to get out of the house and take what may be the first vacation in over a year, road-trippers should temper their excitement and remain vigilant while on the road. Memorial Day is historically the second most dangerous time to drive, behind Thanksgiving weekend, based on the high number of car accidents.

Not only is Memorial Day a dangerous weekend to drive, but according to a recent study conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rate of aggressive driving, drunk driving and other dangerous driving behaviors remains elevated when compared to pre-pandemic levels. As always, motorists should take the necessary precautions when driving, especially in areas they are not familiar with.

If you are involved in a car accident over Memorial Day weekend, be sure to report the incident, obtain the necessary medical care, and follow up by speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Contact the Steinberg Law Firm for Help With Your Car Accident Claim

If you were recently in a South Carolina car accident, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver to recover financial compensation. The impact that an accident has on your life can be life-changing, and you should not be responsible for the economic and non-economic damages caused by another’s negligence. At the Steinberg Law Firm, our dedicated team of Charleston accident lawyers has over a century of hands-on experience helping accident victims through this difficult time. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, reach out to the Steinberg Law Firm by calling 843-720-2800. You can also reach out through our online form, and one of our attorneys will get back to you shortly.