As nearly 39.4 million Americans prepare to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, AAA is urging drivers to check their vehicles before traveling—or risk becoming one of the thousands stranded during one of the year’s busiest travel weekends.

Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released last week.The big picture: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.

According to AAA, this year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record. The previous record was set back in 2005 with 44 million people.