FILE - Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles ahead of Memorial Day. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

COLUMBUS — Millions of drivers will hit the road for the Memorial Day weekend, kicking off the unofficial start to summer.

The American Automobile Association estimates that a record 45.1 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home for the holiday from Thursday to Monday, which amounts to 1.4 million more people than in 2024.

“Memorial Day is a busy time on Ohio’s roads as many Ohioans travel to spend time with family and friends,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “I encourage all drivers to be alert and prioritize safety behind the wheel.”

Last year in Ohio, 26 people were killed in 22 fatal crashes during the four-day Memorial Day weekend reporting period. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be keeping a close eye on the roads with extra emphasis on seat belt violations, impaired or distracted drivers, and speeding.

“As we gather with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who gave their lives in support of freedom, let’s not forget that safety on our roadways is shared responsibly,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, Highway Patrol superintendent. “Wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired. The decisions you make could save a life.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation will work with contractors to suspend or reduce the size of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the extra traffic. However, that’s not possible in every situation.

“There will be a lot of people traveling for Memorial Day and it is very important for drivers to focus, be aware, and give their full attention to the road and their surroundings,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Simple things like buckling up, obeying the speed limit, driving sober, and putting down the distractions can be the difference between a memorable holiday and a tragic one.”

The previous record for Memorial Day travelers was set in 2005 with 44 million people, AAA reported. Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they’re taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home.

“Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to the summer travel season and the perfect time to plan a getaway with family and friends,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs, AAA East Central which includes West Virginia. “Whether flying hundreds of miles or packing up the car for a quick road trip, long holiday weekends are great for travel because many people have an extra day off and kids are off from school.”

The average price for gasoline across South Central Ohio is 6 cents higher this week at $3.097 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline for Marietta is $3.200 compared to $2.845 in Portsmouth, $3.295 in Athens, $3.069 in Chillicothe, $3.062 in Gallipolis, $3.157 in Jackson and $3.128 in Steubenville.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 4 cents from last week to $3.17, as the price of crude oil rises and demand increases, AAA reported.

The average price for gasoline across Northern West Virginia is a penny cheaper this week at $3.041 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline for Parkersburg is $2.952, one of the lowest in the state compared to $3.136 in Wheeling, $3.098 in Bridgeport, $3.114 in Martinsburg and $2.896 in Huntington.

As for the Parkersburg area, Mark Lewis, president and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Blennerhassett Island is usually a big draw for the area.

“We always hope to have a big Memorial Day on the Island, but the reality is that it is extremely weather dependent,” he said. “Currently, the weather looks cool, but less than a 40% chance of rain all three days.

“People don’t plan ahead much anymore and if the weather is good there will be a lot of people, if not, crowds will be down.”