ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Got Memorial Day weekend plans? If so, you’re far from alone.

According to AAA, 1.38 million Georgians will travel at least 50 miles away from home during the travel period, which runs from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26. That’s 45,000 more people than last year.

Nationwide, about 45.1 million people are expected to travel, surpassing the previous record of 44 million in 2005.

Most of those travelers — an estimated 1.23 million in Georgia — will reach their destination by driving. That’s why Georgia State Patrol officers and local police will keep a careful eye on the roads from Friday afternoon until Monday night, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The department recommends driving early in the morning, as congestion increases in the afternoon and night.

“We want everyone to enjoy this holiday weekend with family and friends by focusing on your driving behavior and minimizing distractions that could lead to serious or even fatal consequences,” DPS Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III said in a statement.

Last year, troopers investigated more than 500 crashes in the state, which led to hundreds of injuries and 11 deaths. More than 500 people were also arrested for DUI, the department said.

To help ease travel and cut down on delays, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) said it will suspend all interstate lane closures from Friday at noon through Tuesday at 5 p.m.

If you need roadside assistance, two GDOT services are here to help. The Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Program (CHAMP) and Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) can help you change tires, assess maintenance problems, and more for free. Dial 511 to reach them.

Meanwhile, AAA said 3.61 million people nationwide plan to take a flight — many of which will undoubtedly pass through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport.

According to TSA, more than 20,000 travelers had already been screened by 6 a.m. on Friday.

According to AAA booking data, the most popular domestic destinations are Orlando, Seattle, and New York. Internationally, the top three are Rome, Vancouver, and Paris.

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.