A record-breaking 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day holiday, according to AAA.
The projection marks the highest number since AAA started tracking the data 18 years ago.
For the 39.7 million Americans planning a Fourth of July road trip, travel times in the most congested U.S. cities could be twice as long than normal, according to INRIX, a global transportation analytics firm.
AAA attributes the expected increase in travel to a strong economy and the fact that Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year, which gives travelers more flexibility to schedule a trip the weekend before or after the holiday. The Independence Day holiday period runs from July 3-8.
“More Americans are primed to take advantage of the strong economy by traveling to celebrate the holiday with family and friends,” said Jim Lehman, president, AAA East Central. “Gas prices have not deterred a great summer travel season.”
INRIX and AAA predict that drivers will experience the worst congestion in the late afternoon on Tuesday, July 3 – as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers.
Travel times could double in major metropolitan areas, with drivers in Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C., likely to experience the most significant delays.
Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 362,000 motorists at the roadside during the Independence Day holiday. Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires will be the top causes of car trouble for AAA members, the organization says.
AAA recommends that motorists take their vehicle to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out. Oil changes, fluid-level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the chances of a breakdown, AAA says.
