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Drivers labor to head out for holiday weekend

Getaway day got off to a slow start in Davenport on Friday morning. That’s when multiple accidents on Interstate 80 brought traffic to a standstill. Drive...

Getaway day got off to a slow start in Davenport on Friday morning. That's when multiple accidents on Interstate 80 brought traffic to a standstill. Drivers in the west bound lanes had to make the most of it for a while.

But the generally fast pace set the tone for Labor Day drivers. Travel could hit a five year high across the country. And according to AAA, Quad City gas prices are averaging about a quarter per gallon less compared with last year.

"We are running a little late," said one driver.

"We've got to go," added another.

"You can definitely tell they want to get going somewhere," said Lawrence White, en route to Washington, D.C.

For Blong Her and his family, a road trip to Wisconsin to play soccer also means taking time out for a picnic.

"We started at 4:30 this morning from Kansas City," he said.

By mid-morning, they served a delicious home-cooked meal in the shade of a rest stop picnic table in Bettendorf.

"We try to avoid the heavy traffic," he said. "That's why we started early."

State troopers in Iowa and Illinois will be pushing for zero fatalities. They're stepping up enforcement for speeding, DUI, seat belt violations and distracted driving.

That sparks a mixed response from drivers.

"I think that's their purpose," said Chicago-bound Richard Vokt. "They keep traffic flowing and keep everybody safe during the holiday."

"As long as they're driving a decent speed, give everybody a break," added David Martin, driving to New York. "We all labor, right? It's Labor Day weekend."

Whether it's a traffic standstill or smooth going, these drivers are ready to relax.

"Traffic's not as bad as I thought it might be," concluded Kay Guzzle, Dubuque.

As this rest stop, a reason to feast before returning to the road.

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