Holiday travelers hit the road

This year, AAA predicts 34.8 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more from home this weekend to get to their long weekend destination.

People describe roads with a small grimace.

“Probably terrible, like they always are,” driver Joseph King said. “It’s going to be interesting to see how long it’s going to take to get from point A to point B.”

Something else drivers aren’t too happy about is prices at the pump.

“Gas prices are getting higher and higher,” King said.

“It was $80.00 to fill it (my truck) up, probably have to fill it up on the way back again. This thing (my boat) will probably cost about $275.00 to fill it up,” driver and boat owner Luis Cordera said.

Even with gas prices above $4.00 a gallon, it’s less expensive to drive than to fly for most Memorial Day getaways.

The top three Memorial Day destinations for Southern California travelers are, in this order: San Diego, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon.

California travelers we talked to say you need to be prepared for the drive.

“Music, and a lot of good conversation,” Cordero said.

Despite big costs and major traffic, people still hit the highway, eager to get to that BBQ.

We know about two DUI checkpoints in Palm Desert, and one in Palm Springs. Police officers urge drivers to drive safely this weekend.