Holiday traffic expected to be down 1 percent due to 'Grinch' effect

For many this holiday season, Dr. Seuss' story of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" seems all too real.

Hoping to survive a sinking economy, many have scratched traveling to the homes of friends and families off their wish lists this year.

Travel experts at AAA Carolinas believe fewer people will take to the roads and skies in South Carolina and North Carolina this Christmas.

The Charlotte-based automobile club is expecting Palmetto State roadways to see 830,000 vehicles, while its airports would see just over 300,000 passengers during the holiday period.

Overall, AAA Carolinas is estimating a 1 percent decline in overall traffic this Christmas, the fifth consecutive drop in holiday traffic.

According to AAA Carolinas Public Relations Manager Carol Gifford, even three-year lows in gas prices are not enough to persuade families to travel this year.

"The economy is slumping so dramatically that it's causing people to think twice about travelling," Gifford said. "That's why we have termed our economy as 'The Grinch,' it's having an effect on everybody."

Currently, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gas in South Carolina is just over $1.50, one of the lowest in the country. Locally, prices have hovered around $1.45 in recent weeks.

These prices are a far cry from what drivers were paying this time last year, having to dish out close to $3 per gallon of gas. For that reason Gifford believes those traveling this holiday season are more likely to drive than fly.

"I thinks with gas continuing to be at low levels, more will likely travel by car," Gifford said.

However, Gifford said she doesn't think the common motorist will see the difference in traffic on roadways.

"Drivers should do their best to ensure that they exercise all safety measures," Gifford

said. "There will not be an obvious change, so just expect traffic to be heavy."

FOR DRIVERS:

— An ounce of prevention. Make sure your vehicle is in proper working order before you head out on the road (tires, fluid levels, brakes, etc.) and have an emergency kit handy just in case with things like flares, jumper cables, a blanket and ice scraper.

— Plan your route. Have maps handy as well as alternate routes in mind if there are detours.

— Allow for more time. Heavy traffic volume can lead to delays so be realistic about the driving times.

— Don't drive sleepy-eyed. Fatigue behind the wheel is dangerous.

— Watch your speed. The faster you're traveling, the less time you have to react to bad situations that unfold in front of you.

— Keep your eyes and mind on the road. Inattention, speed, aggressive driving and impaired driving account for the majority of serious collisions and fatalities.

FOR FLYERS:

— Watch the clock. Be mindful of your scheduled departure time.

— Don't cut it close. Airlines still recommend showing up for a domestic flight at least one and a half hours in advance.

— Screening takes time. More flyers mean more people have to go through security screenings.

— Check the rules. Those who haven't flown in many years may not know all of the restrictions on what they can bring on board an aircraft, delaying everyone in the screening line.

— Check the Web. Your airline's Web site, and the Transportation Security Administration's Web site, will have extra information about security screening rules.