According to AAA Carolinas, an estimated 1,260,000 North Carolinians will be traveling this Memorial Day, the highest volume of Memorial Day travelers in the state since 2005.

These numbers come despite there being higher than average gas prices, which AAA Carolinas spokesperson Tiffany Wright said won’t be slowing down travelers in the state this year.

“Although Carolinians will be filling up at the pumps with the highest gas prices since 2014, that won’t keep them at home,” said Wright. “A strong economy and growing consumer confidence are giving Carolinians the motivation they need to kick off what we expect to be a busy summer travel season with a Memorial Day getaway.”

The vast majority of North Carolinians are projected to be driving this Memorial Day, as opposed to flying or other modes of transportation, with the most common destinations being Myrtle Beach, Washington D.C. and Orlando.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the “100 Deadliest Days”, the period in which traffic fatalities, especially among teens, tend to rise.

“We urge everyone to practice safe behaviors behind the wheel. Eliminate distractions, don’t drink and drive and don’t speed,” added Wright.

The Memorial Day travel period begins Thursday, May 24.

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