BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - Are you planning to take a trip this holiday season? If so you are not alone. Experts predict a 1.4% increase in travel this end of year holiday season.
  
"I think there is a little pent up demand for people to travel," AAA's Clay Ingram said.
 
AAA says the increase could be an effect of the slightly improved economy.

"People might feel a little more confident-- not in the economy in general but with their own personal situation. As a result they're willing to make sacrifices in other areas so they can travel during the holiday season," Ingram continued.

All that traffic means less margin for error. Cars will be closer, focus will fall and frustration could rise.

"We all know how it feels to feel like you're late going somewhere. You start making bad decisions, weaving in and out of traffic," Ingram said.

Alabama State Troopers say their big concern is distracted driving-- particularly with cell phones. It's something they say makes you eight times more likely to wreck.

"If you have to use an electronic device such as a cell phone please make it a short conversation and don't prolong your time on the cell phone," Trooper Curtis Summerville said.

So they encourage you to pump the brakes and take a little more time to prepare before getting behind the wheel.