Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, June 28, 2017
(UNDATED) - The Fourth of July means BBQs, beaches, and…bumper-to-bumper traffic. That’s right: Independence Day weekend travel is set to be a record-breaker this year, according to just-released data from AAA.
The travel organization estimates 44.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles to celebrate the United States' birthday--a whopping 1.25 million more travelers than last year. Expect a lot of cars, too: About 37.5 million of those traveling will drive to their destinations, which is a 2.9 percent increase over 2016.
"Combined, strong employment, rising incomes, and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry, in particular this Independence Day weekend," Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of Travel and Publishing, said in a statement.
Affordable gas prices - $2.28 a gallon on average - also play a role in packing our nation's highways.
If you can tack an extra day onto your trip, you just might beat the crowds.
4th of July Weekend Travel, By the Numbers
AAA projects needing to assist upwards of 338,000 drivers. Check your battery and tires pre-road trip; then repeat after us: Hold onto your keys. Top reasons for calls include dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts, AAA says.
AAA defines the holiday travel period as Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.