NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a record 39 million people will be traveling for Memorial Day Weekend.
It is the highest number in the past 10 years and will be the second highest number on record, according to the organization.
AAA says the high volume of travelers is due in part to low gas prices. They haven’t been this low since 2005, the year which saw the highest number of Memorial Day travelers ever.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to drive safely, given the busy travel weekend.
Sergeant Travis Plotzer, a spokesman for the THP, said, “Common sense will go a long way when driving this weekend.”
He continued, “We want to encourage people to buckle up, slow down and not drive distracted.”
Sgt. Plotzer said motorists can call the THP to request assistance or report distracted drivers.
“If you see someone driving unsafe, call *THP to get you in contact with one of our communication centers around the state, and we will work on getting troopers dispatched to that area to provide assistance and look for whatever’s causing the problem.”
Two people were killed in a crash Friday afternoon on Interstate 40 in Putnam County.
Four others died Saturday morning on Interstate 24 in Rutherford County.