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Record Numbers of So. Californians Expected to Travel Over Thanksgiving

20 November 2000

    LOS ANGELES - Despite high gas prices, a record 2.3 million Southern Californians will be traveling by car to destinations at least 100 miles from home this weekend, a four percent increase over last year, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

    A total of three million Southern Californians will be traveling this holiday weekend by all methods of travel including cars, planes, buses and trains, also a four percent increase over 1999.

    The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Southern California this month is $1.77 compared with $1.36 last year.

    "Higher gas prices have not been affecting travel in general this year because people aren't worried about their jobs and the economy has been solid," said Tim Irwin, Auto Club Managing Director for Travel. "Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year, but this year is proving to be exceptional."

    Nationally, a record 38.9 million Americans are planning a holiday getaway of 100 miles or more from home, an increase of four percent over last year, according to a national survey conducted for AAA. Nearly 31.6 million of those travelers will be going by car, a five percent increase over last year. Another 7.3 million will be going by airplane, train or bus, the same total as last year.



    The most popular destinations for car travelers in Southern
California, according to a survey of the Auto Club's AAA Travel
Agency, are:

    1.       Las Vegas
    2.       San Diego
    3.       Disneyland
    4.       Mammoth Mountain
    5.       Laughlin, Nevada




    Hawaii is the most popular air destination for Southern Californians for the Thanksgiving weekend.

    To make this weekend's trip a pleasant one, the Auto Club recommends:

-- Getting on the road early. Typically outgoing traffic will be heaviest during Wednesday afternoon and evening. Heavy incoming traffic can be expected Sunday afternoon.
-- Checking your vehicle's fluid levels, belts, hoses and tires, and if traveling to the mountains or a snowy area, bringing along snow tires or chains.
-- Carrying a flashlight, jumper cables and a reflective triangle for emergencies.
-- Packing plenty of fluids and activities for youngsters for long trips.
-- Planning your trip ahead of time and bringing along a map in case you need to chose an alternate route. Motorists can call the California Highway Information Number at 800/427-7623 for interstate and state route lane closures and highway closures. The information is updated hourly.
-- Taking care of your children by properly using safety belts and car seats, and accompanying them into the restroom during travel breaks.
-- Choosing a well-lit, populated area for rest stops when driving at night.

    The Auto Club also reminds all motorists to avoid drinking and driving during the holiday to ensure a safe arrival at your destination and a safe return home.

    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy.