According to the new statistics shared by AAA, the 2012 year-end holidays will see an anticipated number of 93.3 million people traveling 50 or more from home; thereby marking a
1.6 percent increase over the 2011 figures.

As per the AAA figures, there will likely be a 1.3 percent increase - to an expected 4.7 million - in the number of Illinois travelers, with a majority of them traveling by automobile and approximately 270,000 expected to fly during the year-end holidays this time round.

The projected increase in the number of year-end travelers all across Illinois and beyond has prompted the need for additional roadside safety checks and late-night patrols to be conducted by state, county and city police. The increased safety measures will essentially help the police officials concentrate on impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use, and distracted driving.

In addition, some requisite steps will also be taken by the Illinois Department of Transportation in the direction of suspending work in road construction zones, so that as many lanes can be cleared for travel as possible.

Meanwhile, noting that the "year-end holiday season remains the least volatile of all travel holidays," Beth Mosher - AAA Chicago's director of public affairs - said that the Americans do "not let economic conditions or high gas prices dictate (them) if they go home for the holidays or kick off the New Year with a vacation."