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BEND, OR -- 1.3 million Oregonians are projected to travel this holiday ... 91% of them by car.
Marie Dodds of AAA says this much of a spike in the travel numbers was unexpected. "We were a bit blown away by these numbers, they just came out, our study is 'hot off the presses,' as it were, and we are really surprised to see such a high travel volume."
Dodds says with so many people on the roads, it could be slow going. "Pack your patience, expect lots of company, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination safely."
According to Dodds, the AAA holiday travel study shows that the busiest traffic times will be from tomorrow between 3 and 6 pm and Thursday between 3 and 7 pm.
Everybody and their dog is going to be on the move this Christmas, and AAA's Marie Dodds says, if you're planning to be on the road this season, be prepared to have plenty of company. "Holiday travel is going to be the busiest we've ever, ever seen. We're looking at a record volume. Get this, 107 million Americans, more than 1.3 million Oregonians, so roughly 1/3 of the population will be traveling somewhere for Christmas and/or New Year's."
Dodds says the main reason more people are traveling this year, even with the higher gas prices, is due to an increased confidence in the growing economy. She also says, if you're one of the 1.3 million Oregonians planning a drive in the next few days, be prepared for delays. "And, especially for folks that are driving those afternoon hours between about 3 and 6 on Wednesday and 3 and 7 on Thursday, those are going to be the extra busy times on highways and freeways."
Top Destinations for Triple a Oregon ... Anaheim, Vegas, and Honolulu.
