AAA: Labor Day travel expected to increase

A travel survey from AAA Northern California predicts an 11 percent increase in the number of Californians expected to travel over Labor Day weekend.

The travel forecast predicts more than 4 million Californians will travel 50 miles or more from their homes, with the automobile expected to be the preferred mode of transportation, the AAA reported.

More than 3.5 million Californians are expected to drive to their destinations, and more than 315,000 Californians are expected to travel by air, an increase of 5.7 percent compared to 2009. Approximately 170,000 residents are expected to travel by other modes such as rail, buses and watercraft, an increase of 7.9 percent.

“Despite the continued mixed feelings regarding the economic recovery, a strong comeback in travel is anticipated for this holiday weekend,” AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris said in a AAA news release. “Compared to last year, fewer Californians are expected to pull back on discretionary spending, which will have a considerably positive impact on travel.”

Nationally, over 34 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the three-day weekend, a 9.9 percent increase compared to 2009.

AAA will be providing a Tipsy Tow Program, offering a free tow home for drinking drivers in Northern California from 6 p.m. on Sept. 6 to 6 a.m. on Sept. 7. Members and non-members alike can call (800) 222-4357 for a free tow of up to 5 miles.

To save money and improve gas mileage, AAA offers the following advice for drivers:

- Keep your tires properly inflated.

- Don’t use premium fuel if your car does not require it.

- Observe the speed limit.

- Avoid hard acceleration and drive defensively.

- Warming-up your car unnecessarily wastes fuel.- Travel light — loaded roof racks can decrease fuel economy by 5 percent.