LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
About 2.5 million residents living in the Mountain West region of the United States, which includes Nevada, will travel for the Memorial Day weekend, AAA predicted Monday.
The auto club said the predicted 1.6 percent jump from last year shows that motorists aren't deterred by the current economic conditions.
"High debt burdens, gasoline prices, and uncertainties regarding the strength of the current economic recovery have not deterred Mountain West residents from holiday travel," said AAA Nevada spokesperson Cynthia Harris. "But many consumers intend to cut back on the distance they travel, as well on entertainment expenses, to compensate for reduced travel budgets. Others will be opting for backyard barbeques, a staple of this three-day holiday weekend."
AAA believes there will be a dip in air travel for the three-day weekend.
Overall, AAA projected more than 34 million people will be traveling 50 miles or more for Memorial Day.
The auto club also said its Tipsy Tow program will be available for those who have been drinking for the holiday.
The program will be in effect from 6 p.m. May 28 through 6 a.m. May 29. A truck will tow a driver's vehicle and give that person a ride of up to 10 miles for free.
Tipsy Tow can be accessed by calling 1-800-222-4357.
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