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AAA: Biggest Increase In MDW Travel Since 2005

STEVENSVILLE, Md. (WJZ)--It's one of the busiest weekends of the year for traveling--Memorial Day weekend is almost here.

Amy Yensi has everything you should know before hitting the road.

AAA anticipates that this MDW we'll see a big increase of travelers on the road, saying they haven't seen these numbers since 2005.

After a brutally cold winter filled with snow, the time for sun, sand and surf is almost here.

"Memorial Day Weekend I think is the traditional kick off to the summer," said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.

If you plan to hit the road expect lots of company. Over 800 thousand Marylanders will be traveling this weekend, most of them by car.

Car-travel is expected to be the mode of transport for 90% Marylanders over the next few days. Widely favored over flying and expected to jump 4.5 percent from this time last year.

"It provides greater flexibility. It's still a very economical way to travel, particularly if you're traveling as a family or a large group versus flying," said Ragina C. Averella, AAA Mid-Atlantic.

With so many cars on the road officials safety is paramount.

"Unfortunately we experience tragedies and often times, it's a simple lack of judgment" said Lt. Jerry Jones, Maryland State Police.

To crack down on speeding, impaired and aggressive drivers, officers will be strategically stationed at accident and violation-prone areas. One of those is Route 404 --Marie Freeman, her husband and daughter were traveling on that very road 15 years ago.

"He was headed to Deton, eastbound, and a big truck hit him from behind, both were hurt. Brianna died 2 days later," Marie Freeman said.

Freeman has been crusading for traffic safety ever since, and is urging travelers to be vigilant.

"Just take your time. You're going to get there. The beach is not going anywhere," she said.

The mayor of Ocean City expects nearly 250 thousand visitors this weekend.

If you're traveling to Ocean City keep in mind, starting this year there's no smoking allowed on the boardwalk and there's a small designated smoking area on the beach itself.

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