KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After around a year of mostly empty roads as people stayed at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, streets are expected to be packed over Memorial Day weekend.
Officials said more than 37 million Americans are expected to fly or drive over Memorial Day weekend, traveling to cookouts or to see family during the holiday. It's a 60% jump from this time last year, but it's also still not as high as travel numbers before the pandemic.
"Be prepared for the security checkpoint to look a little bit different than you remember," said Darby LaJoye, from the Transportation Security Administration. "We've added thousands of acrylic barriers and new touchless screening technology."
Around 90% of travelers are expected to drive over Memorial Day weekend, as gas prices across the U.S. continue to rise. They have reached their highest prices in 7 years, according to experts.
Many police departments, such as the Knoxville Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Officials with the THP said they plan to increase patrols and use seat belt and sobriety checkpoints to keep travelers safe over the weekend.
Police urged people to choose someone to drive sober if they plan to drink over the weekend. They also said travelers should make sure to buckle their seat belts and avoid texting and driving while on the road.