Jul 3, 2009 5:35 pm US/Eastern
Marylanders Hit The Road For Holiday Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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As Marylanders hit the road for the holiday weekend, there will be an increased police presence for this weekend's traffic.
CBS
If you're getting ready to hit the road for the fourth of July holiday weekend, be prepared to pack your patience, and go the speed limit.
There will be an increased police presence for this weekend's traffic.
Gigi Barnett reports many Marylanders with travel plans will be taking to the streets.
The fourth of July is the most traveled weekend of the summer, far outpacing Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, but for people who plan to hit the roads, State Police will be there watching.
For many all set to enjoy time off, the biggest travel weekend of the summer is already in motion.
"It's going to be much traffic anywhere you go...so it doesn't make much difference which direction you head," says Donald Ahmuty, a holiday commuter.
AAA agrees the agency says this year, the number of holiday travelers will drop by about two percent, compared to last year's Independence Day numbers.
For many people that spells a staycation this weekend.
"No gas, no money...just want to hang out with family. Staying close to home," says Shawn Davis.
For others the beach beckons.
One group drove from D.C. to Sandy Point State Park.
The commute came early this morning to avoid traffic, but the ride back may not be so easy.
"It's alright, you put on some tunes in the car...and you can't complain," says Amanda Notarangelo, another holiday commuter.
While there's fun here, state police say they'll work the roads looking for, "The drugged, the drunk, and the distracted," says Major Scott Yinger, a Maryland State Police spokesman.
He says grant-funded overtime has already been approved and officers are working to make sure those traveling remain safe.
He adds safe arrival this weekend relies on one thing: patience.
"Give yourself some extra time, leave a little earlier, plan on arriving home a little later, but we'd ask that you have that patience," Yinger adds.
While many driver plan to stay closer to home because of higher gas prices, AAA believes air travel will increase slightly because for many people this is their first big vacation in a long while, thanks to the economy.
A little more than 35 million Americans are expected to travel by this weekend.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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