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AAA Predicts Record-Breaking Traffic in New England This Holiday Season

Hemera Collection

AAA is predicting a record-breaking number of cars on the road in New England this holiday season.

Pat Moody at AAA Northern New England says they're expecting just under 5 million travelers in New England alone, a 3 percent increase from last year.

These are the highest projected numbers in nearly 20 years, since AAA began tracking holiday travel.

Moody says roads are busier this year because holiday cheer is at an all-time high due to low unemployment levels and improvements in disposable income and net worth.

Christmas falling in the middle of the week also plays a role in the amount of travel this year.

“People are going to take that extended break, both before and after Christmas,” he says. “So that really encourages more people to take the time to get out there and travel.”

AAA expects the longest delays on the road to happen on Thursday, December 26th, the day after Christmas. 

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