Tag: AAA

Categories
From My Seat Sports

Redbirds Welcome Jordan Walker

(Credit: Springfield Cardinals / PJ Maigi)

The St. Louis Cardinals have demoted prize prospect Jordan Walker to Memphis and there’s a sniff of panic in the air. The Cardinals are off to the franchise’s worst start in half a century, having lost 16 of their first 25 games. (The 1973 Cards opened with a 5-20 record and somehow finished the season break-even, at 81-81.) St. Louis pitchers are getting clubbed (ERA of 4.45, ninth in the National League). St. Louis hitters are not clubbing (32 home runs, ninth in the National League). So their solution is to demote a young man who set a franchise record by opening his career with a 12-game hitting streak? Cardinals Twitterverse, do your thing. Yikes.

The fourth-ranked prospect in baseball according to Baseball America, Walker turns 21 on May 22nd, exactly 20 days after his debut at AutoZone Park. How young is 21 in the career of a baseball player? Consider the Cardinals’ two current superstars. Paul Goldschmidt — last season’s National League MVP — had a season of Rookie League ball behind him on his 21st birthday. Nolan Arenado — owner of 10 Gold Gloves at third base — turned 21 in Double-A. And yet there are citizens of Cardinal Nation screaming that Walker is being punished, vanquished to the land of Triple-A for not having what it takes to carry the St. Louis Cardinals right now.

This is silly. Walker made headlines by starting his big-league career with that hitting streak, a record first achieved by a player his age in 1912 (Eddie Murphy of the Philadelphia Athletics). And this may have been the worst possible development for the Georgia native. Walker earned the Cardinals’ Minor League Player of the Year award in 2022, but his first game with the Redbirds last week was also his first above the Double-A level. Players who skip the highest tier of the minor leagues and make an immediate impact in the big leagues are few and far between. The last such player in the Cardinals’ system was one Albert Pujols, and that was 703 big-league home runs ago.

With St. Louis, Walker found himself in a five-man battle for three outfield positions. And this is a crucial component of his recent demotion. Walker was drafted (in 2020) as a third-baseman, and spent the majority of his first two professional seasons at the hot corner. With Arenado entrenched at the position for the Cardinals, Walker is tasked with learning to play right field. The innings he puts in defensively with Memphis will be as important to Walker’s long-term success as his plate appearances.

There’s one more factor to consider in Walker’s change of scenery: classroom culture. The Cardinals are in their second season under 36-year-old manager Oliver Marmol, but their first in 20 years without franchise icon Yadier Molina, who retired after the 2022 season. And something’s amiss in the St. Louis clubhouse. Stars aren’t starring. Role players aren’t filling their roles. Meanwhile in Memphis, the Redbirds are playing their fourth season under 41-year-old Ben Johnson, a relentlessly positive skipper who has overseen the two longest winning streaks in franchise history (one of 15 games in 2021, then a 12-gamer just last month). 

For a young man of college age, atmosphere is everything. At least for the time being, Jordan Walker is likely better off in the Memphis “classroom” than he would be in a confused, turbulent Cardinals setting. The irony, of course, is that the long-term beneficiary of Walker’s baseball growth will be the St. Louis Cardinals. Triple-A exists for a reason: the final test for a player with a lengthy big-league career in sight. It should be fun watching Jordan Walker hit the books in Memphis.

Walker homered in his second game with the Redbirds, a Friday-night loss at Durham.

Categories
News News Blog News Feature

Tennessee Sees Decrease In Teen Speed-Related Crashes, Increase in Seatbelt Usage

Photo by Samuele Errico Piccarini on Unsplash

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) said that teen speed-related crashes are down nine percent for federal fiscal year 2021 to 2022. This reduction includes teen-involved crashes and fatalities.  There was a larger reduction in speed-related crashes involving teenagers compared to other drivers. 

According to THSO, this information was collected through an annual roadside observational survey conducted by the University of Tennessee’s Center for Transformation Research.

THSO director Buddy Lewis said this is a result of campaigns such as Rule the Road, Slow Down Tennessee, Operation Southern Slow Down, and more. THSO also received a $20,500 grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association and Ford Driving Skills For Life.

This information was collected at 190 pre-identified roadway locations throughout Tennessee, and researchers observed almost 26,000 “vehicle occupants.”

The survey also provided information on seat belt usage for the state of Tennessee.

Shelby County’s seat belt usage rate increased by 10.7 percent (88.8 percent). The state of Tennessee’s usage rate was 90.49 percent, which is approximately a 0.4 percent increase compared to 2021 (90.12). Occupants in vans had the highest usage rate in Shelby County (93.48 percent), while those in pickup trucks had the lowest (75.36 percent).

In terms of the state of Tennessee, THSO said that 96 percent of occupants used seat belts in sport utility vehicles. These occupants had the highest belt usage rate, with pickup trucks having the lowest (80.6 percent.)

THSO also said that female occupants have a higher usage rate than males, and that front-seat passengers had a higher rate than drivers.

While teen speed-related crashes are down, and seat belt usage is up, information from The Auto Club Group (AAA) said that there has been a national increase in unsafe driving behaviors, from 2020 to 2021. In the past three years, these numbers were steadily declining.

AAA said that a study from its Foundation for Traffic Safety found that this rise in behavior was a result of speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving, and driving impaired due to cannabis.

The largest increase was in drivers who said that they operated their vehicle after drinking over the legal limit.

There has also been a 10.5 percent increase in traffic deaths from 2020 (38,824) to 2021 (42,915). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that actions such as speeding, alcohol, impairment, and failure to use seatbelts “account for a considerable proportion of the increased fatalities.”

Categories
News News Blog News Feature

AAA: TN Gas Prices Likely to Rise After Record Highs

(Credit: Erik Mclean on Unsplash)

Gas prices will likely rise again after a brief respite coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday, according to AAA.

Even with a bit of stabilization at the pump, Tennessee drivers paid the highest gas prices on record during this Memorial Day weekend, AAA said. The state’s average gas price is $4.28, nearly 39 cents higher than a month ago and $1.41 more than a year ago. 

(Credit: AAA – The Auto Club Group)

Memphis-area drivers saw record-setting prices at stations on Monday of last week. That’s when the average price of gas in Memphis ran $4.32 for a gallon of regular unleaded. The price had barely softened Monday, to around $4.31 for a gallon of unleaded. Average unleaded prices a year ago in Memphis were $2.89 cents per gallon.

We could be looking at the calm before the storm for gas prices.

Megan Cooper, AAA – The Auto Club Group

“While drivers might have seen a small break in pump price increases this holiday weekend, we could be looking at the calm before the storm for gas prices,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Crude oil prices surged to $115 per barrel last week alongside further tightening of domestic supplies. Renewed upward pressure on pump prices likely means additional increases in pump prices for drivers in the next couple of weeks.”

Prices may also rise due to ongoing fears of further global supply constraints caused by a European Union (EU) ban on Russian oil exports. U.S. gas demand may again start to climb as drivers fuel up for the three-month-long summer travel season, which began last weekend. 

AAA estimated that nearly 35 million travelers hit the road for Memorial Day. It’s the highest number since 2019, despite record prices at the gas pump.

However, Tennessee prices remain below the national average. 

(Credit: AAA – The Auto Club Group)
Categories
News News Blog

AAA: Holiday Travel Rises in Tennessee

(Credit: TDOT)

More Tennesseans are traveling this holiday season than did last year. 

Projections from AAA, the auto club, show more than 2.6 million Tennesseans will travel between December 23rd and January 2nd. The figure is 35 percent higher than last year. But it’s still about 5 percent lower than the record numbers of holiday travelers in 2019.  

Most travelers (2.5 million of them) will drive themselves on Tennessee roads. AAA predicts about 68,000 will travel by air. About 84,500 will travel the state by bus, train, or cruise.

Increased demand has also increased prices. AAA says airfare is up 5 percent from last year. The average lowest round-trip ticket costs $154 this year for most major U.S. destinations. Airfare will rise by 27 percent around New Year’s Eve with average lowest fares around $182. 

Many mid-range hotel rates have increased 36 percent for Christmas travel, with an average nightly rate of $320. For New Year’s Eve, the average nightly rate is $267.

The average car rental rate has increased 20 percent for Christmas travel, with the average lowest daily rate of $130. It will increase 65 percent for New Year’s, for an average lowest daily rate of $103. 

Categories
News News Blog

AAA: Most Americans Will Stay Home for the Holidays

CREDIT: AAA/Facebook

AAA/Facebook

AAA projects major cuts in holiday travel this year as most Americans will stay home.

The auto club expects as many as 84.5 million Americans will travel this year. But that’s a 29 percent cut from 2019, down by 29 million travelers. AAA expects 2 million Tennesseans will travel this holiday season, a decline of 28.4 percent from last year.

“While Thanksgiving is traditionally spent gathering with friends and family, the year-end holidays are when Americans often venture out for longer, more elaborate vacations,” said AAA spokeswoman Megan Cooper. “That will not be the case this year. Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Americans to stay home for the holidays.”

AAA projected Thanksgiving travel to be down 10 percent (50 million travelers) from 2019. While the final numbers aren’t in yet, the club expects the figure to be down by 15 percent-20 percent.

AAA hedges, too, that many American travelers are taking a wait-and-see approach to their plans this year.

”With COVID‑19 cases steadily increasing this month, the expected continued rise will likely prompt some Americans to make last minute decisions to not follow through with upcoming travel plans, which was the trend during the lead up to Thanksgiving,” the club said.

AAA expects those who do venture out this year, they’ll do it on the road. Road trips will account for 96 percent of holiday travel this year, the club said. Up to 81 million Americans will travel by car, a decline of at least 25 percent compared to last year. Auto travel is expected to replace some trips previously taken by bus, train or airplane, given the flexibility, security and comfort traveling by car provides.

AAA/Facebook

For those who decide to hit the road for the year-end holidays, gas prices remain nearly 50 cents cheaper than this time last year. Recent monthly gas prices are 19 percent below 2019 averages.

“Typically, cheaper gas prices are an incentive for last-minute trips, especially around the holidays,” said Cooper. “But the lower prices and less traffic aren’t driving decisions to hit the road. Americans are looking to the public health landscape, including COVID-19 case numbers, to make their travel decisions.”

However, many will still travel by air, AAA said. But the 2.9 million expected to fly this year will be 60 percent fewer than those who flew during the holidays last year. Air travelers can likely expect to pay lower airfares this holiday season, as AAA said it has seen double-digit reductions in average flight costs.

Up to 480,000 Americans are expected to travel by other modes, including bus and train this holiday season, a sharp decline of 87 percent as some bus and train trips will be shifted to car travel or canceled.

AAA/Facebook

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged Americans not to travel for the holidays this year, warning that travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. But here’s what AAA suggest for those who will travel:

What to Know Before You Go

Plan ahead. Check with state and local officials along your route and at your destination to learn about local guidance and any restrictions that may be in place. This includes what is expected of you when you return home. Many localities are requiring COVID-19 testing prior to and after travel.

Follow Public Health Guidance:

The CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel, plus reducing nonessential activities for seven days after travel. Travelers should be aware of these and other local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements, quarantine orders, and additional CDC guidance for before, during, and after their travels.

Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least 6 feet) and regular hand-washing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.

Call Ahead:

Hotels – Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, like restaurant dining.

Car rentals – If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. Hertz, for example, has introduced Hertz Gold Standard Clean, an enhanced vehicle disinfectant and sanitization process. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.

Categories
News News Blog

Record Number to Travel in Tennessee, Nationwide This Holiday

A record number of Tennesseans are expected to travel this holiday season.

The auto group AAA predicts that 2.76 million Tennesseans will travel this year between Saturday, December 21st and Wednesday, January 1st.

That’s a 4 percent increase over last year. Nationwide, 115.6 million Americans are expected to travel during the holiday season. That’s 4.3 million more than last year and the highest travel volume since AAA began tracking the numbers 20 years ago.

“Holiday cheer is at an all-time high this year, with unemployment at historically low levels, and noted improvements in both disposable income and household net worth,” said Paula Twidale, vice president of AAA travel. “Travelers should be getting used to crowded highways and airports, as this marks the eighth straight year of new record-high travel volumes for the year-end holidays.”

Of the 2.76 million Tennesseans expected to travel over the next week, AAA anticipates 2.59 million will travel by car, 74,000 by plane, and 97,500 will take trains, buses, cruise ships, or other modes of transportation.

TDOT

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is halting all construction-related lane closures between noon on Friday (today) and 6 a.m. on Thursday, January 2nd.

“With 2.59 million motorists expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, keeping traffic moving and getting motorists to their destinations safely is our top priority,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive.”

A few long-term lane closures will still be in effect for safety reasons, and workers may still be on-site in some construction zones. TDOT reminds drivers to obey all posted speed limits, including the slower speed limits posted in construction zones.

Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones when workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500 plus court fees.

Stay up to date on Tennessee road conditions here.

Categories
News News Blog

Record Number of Travelers Expected to Hit State Highways This Week


A record number of Tennesseans are expected to hit the road this Independence Day.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 985,000 drivers are expected to be on the state’s roads this week. That’s nearly 5 percent more than the number of Tennesseans that traveled this time last year.

The rise state’s rise in travelers follows the national trend, as AAA estimates a record number of Americans — 41.4 million — are expected to travel by automobile this week. That’s 1.9 million more than last year.

AAA said the busiest day for driving will likely be Wednesday.

In order to make travel smoother for the nearly 1 million drivers expected to be on the state’s highways this week, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures beginning at noon on Wednesday until 6 a.m. on Monday.

“It is estimated that 985,000 motorists will travel Tennessee’s interstates and state routes this July 4th holiday,” TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright said. “To help motorists reach their destinations safely and without unnecessary delays, we are suspending lane closures during this holiday travel time.”

[pullquote-1]

Still, workers could be present in construction zones where reduced speed limits will remain in effect. Speeding in work zones could result in a $250 to $500 fine, according to TDOT.

AAA attributes the increase in drivers in part to lower gas prices compared to this time last year.

Memphis’s average price for a gallon of regular gas decreased by about 17 cents from this time last year.

The average price for regular gas in Memphis as of Tuesday is $2.43 per gallon. That’s a little less than Nashville’s average of $2.48 per gallon and slightly more than Chattanooga’s and Knoxville’s average prices of $2.36 and $2.39 per gallon respectively.

Across the country, gas is most expensive in California where the average price per gallon is $3.77. The country’s lowest gas prices are currently just south of Memphis in Mississippi. A gallon currently averages $2.34 there.



Try AAA’s gas cost calculator to see how much your travel plans will cost you.