BOISE, ID – AAA is forecasting the busiest Memorial Day travel weekend on record, with an estimated 45.1 million Americans—including 274,000 Idahoans—expected to hit the road or board flights to kick off their summer plans. With the holiday surge underway, AAA is preparing to respond to up to 360,000 emergency roadside service calls nationwide.
Matthew Conde, public affairs director for AAA Idaho, urged travelers to conduct basic vehicle checks before heading out.
“Even if you don’t have time for a complete vehicle inspection, check your tire pressure and make sure your engine fluids are topped off,” said Conde. “An early start to your travel day is also a good way to avoid congestion.”
Fuel prices may provide some relief to road trippers. Idaho’s current average price for a gallon of regular is $3.32—slightly above last week but below both last month and the same time last year. The national average stands near $3.20 per gallon.
A historical look at Memorial Day gas prices shows a consistent decline since peaking in 2022:
| Year | Idaho | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.75 | $3.59 |
| 2023 | $3.83 | $3.58 |
| 2022 | $4.72 | $4.62 |
| 2021 | $3.25 | $3.05 |
| 2020 | $2.14 | $1.96 |
| 2019 | $3.20 | $2.83 |
| 2018 | $3.18 | $2.97 |
AAA recommends travelers pack essentials such as snacks, water, medications, and a change of clothes in carry-on luggage when flying. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed by 5 to 10 mph to improve fuel efficiency and use the AAA mobile app to locate gas or EV charging stations.
Additional safety tips from AAA include:
- Share your travel route and estimated arrival time with someone you trust.
- Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down, and use flares or reflectors to alert other motorists.
- Pack blankets for potential cold temperatures, especially at night or in higher elevations.
- Plan fun rest stops to reduce travel stress.
- Always ensure seat belts are worn by all passengers.
AAA Idaho is part of AAA Oregon/Idaho, which serves over 900,000 members across both states. The organization provides travel, insurance, financial, and automotive services and is affiliated with the broader AAA network, which supports more than 63 million members across North America.
For more information or an audio version of the release, contact the AAA News Hotline at 208-342-9391 in Boise or 1-800-999-9391 elsewhere.
