Traveling this Labor Day weekend? Here’s what you need to know

ATLANTA — Labor Day weekend travel is underway across Georgia, bringing heavier traffic, record gas prices and increased law enforcement patrols.

Whether heading to the mountains, lake, beach or visiting family, drivers can save time and reduce stress by avoiding peak travel periods.

Best and worst times to travel

Transportation data analytics company INRIX expects traffic to build Saturday afternoon as travelers head to parks, lakes and other recreational destinations.

Sunday should bring fewer widespread delays, although roads near tourist attractions and event venues could become congested.

The return trip could be more challenging. Traffic is expected to increase Monday as travelers head home, with the heaviest congestion forecast between 2 and 5 p.m.

Drivers are encouraged to leave early, allow extra time and remain flexible. Even shifting a departure by an hour or two could help motorists avoid the worst congestion.

“Heavy traffic is expected throughout the holiday weekend, so we encourage motorists to be patient, stay alert, and make responsible decisions behind the wheel,” said Georgia Public Safety Commissioner Col. William W. Hitchens III. “A few extra minutes are never worth risking a life.”

State and local law enforcement has stepped up patrols on interstates and secondary roads to try to cut down on impaired driving, speeding, seat belt violations and distracted driving.

Record prices at the pump

Travelers are also paying record Labor Day gas prices.

AAA reported a national average of $4.14 per gallon Thursday, up from $3.19 a year ago. The previous Labor Day record was $3.82 per gallon, set in 2012.

Georgia’s average stood at $3.89 per gallon at the beginning of the holiday weekend.

AAA attributed the increase to high crude oil prices and continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz. Drivers can check current fuel and electric charging prices along their routes using AAA’s TripTik travel planner.