What to expect on the road when you head on out for your 2021 Memorial Day weekend plans

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and as COVID-19 restrictions loosen, AAA auto club is expecting travelers to triple on the road this holiday weekend.

AAA says they are expecting more than 37 million people to travel at least 50 miles from home.

That’s about one-third of U.S. adults alone.

According to AP News, AAA says the percent of travelers for this holiday weekend is much higher than last year’s - increasing by 60%. Last year marked the lowest recorded travelers ever and they are expecting highways to be busier than usual. That’s because more people are getting confident with the number of vaccinated Americans against covid-19.

AAA also says they are expecting 34 million of Americans on the road, nearly 2.5 million traveling by plane and a small amount of people on buses or trains.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Ted Bohner tells us what to expect when heading out if you are traveling this year.

“You can plan on delays if you're traveling on the roads. And, for that we ask for people to be courteous and be smart. Don’t follow too closely, follow the traffic lane, speed limits, don’t drink and drive,” Bohner said.

Bohner says there will be an increase number of troopers on the highways for the holiday weekend and says to expect delays due to traffic projects that are in the works in Indiana.

And, expect delays if your heading on out between Indiana and Indianapolis.

Bohner also says being courteous and a smart driver is one way that will get you to your destination on time and safely.

“Just drive safe, follow all the laws, don’t let a bad attitude or bad driving ruin your family's good time this holiday weekend,” Bohner said.

With the busy roads bringing delays already, you don’t want to see even more, especially if that means seeing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror.