Millions of Americans will hit the road for the Labor Day weekend, which is usually the busiest travel period of the year. If you're heading out of town this weekend, be prepared for heavy traffic in and around metro areas.
The biggest surge of traffic is often in the morning between 6am and 9am. Many people go to work and have a busy day ahead of them, but that's also when most people are trying to get home, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.
Another big spike in traffic occurs in the late afternoon between 4pm and 6pm. This time is when commuters leave work and most holiday travelers get on the road as well.
If you're planning to get out of town this week, it's best to avoid driving in the early hours of the morning. INRIX says drivers have the hardest time navigating the roads in that time frame.
You can save yourself some headaches by hitting the roads before 8am or after 10pm on Monday, when the road isn't as busy. You'll get to your destination faster, according to INRIX.
In addition to that, you'll have a lot more control over your trip and can plan your journey accordingly. You can even use the "traffic prediction" feature on your navigation system to find out which highways will be busier and when you can expect to find a break.
If you're heading out of the state for a Labor Day weekend getaway, be sure to plan your trip ahead of time. If you're flying, be sure to check out the flight times on the airline's website. If you're driving, be sure to stick to the freeways or major roadways and pay attention to traffic conditions and signage.
