By WMBD-TV
PEORIA – Memorial Day is right around the corner, and travel experts expect it to be one of the busiest times of the year with more 40 million people traveling across the country.
Not only is the holiday a day when airports and highways are filled with eager vacationers, but it’s also a day that can be the deadliest for drivers.
Sgt. Melissa Albert-Lopez of the Illinois State Police, said the Friday before Memorial Day marks the beginning of what they call the “100 deadliest days,” a period which extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, due to a significant increase in serious crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.
“With schools out and people going on vacations, we just have more people on the roadways,” she said. “And when you have more people, you’re opening yourself up to more crashes.”
For those planning to board a plane at Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, getting there early is a good suggestion.
Gene Olson, the airport’s director, stressed the importance of getting to the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time.
“Don’t fall into the trap that Peoria is a small airport and you can just show up right before your flight because you will miss that flight,” he said. “The airlines close their ticket counters down 45 minutes before the departure time.”
The airport is ready for the large influx of passengers this weekend. Olson projects more than 11,000 people will travel through the airport during the Memorial Day weekend, considering the average load factors and the percentage of filled seats.
Meanwhile, families gearing up to travel by car across the region should be aware that law enforcement will be fully active during this time. With the increased number of people on the roadways, the risk of accidents rises.
As travel plans are being made and excitement builds for the long weekend, it is crucial for travelers to prioritize safety and plan accordingly.
Whether traveling by train, plane, or automobile, being aware of the increased traffic and taking necessary precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
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