SPOKANE, Wash. — With the Fourth of July just around the corner, AAA says millions of Americans will be hitting the road and the skies this week. So how can you make the most of your travel while staying safe getting to your destination?
AAA estimates that about 72.2 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home this Independence Day, surpassing last year’s record of 71.8 million.
“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend.”
If you’re planning to hit the roads this holiday, AAA says July 2 will be the busiest day to pick up rental cars.
Driving around the Fourth of July can be especially dangerous, with more teen drivers behind the wheel and impaired driving due to holiday celebrations. According to AAA, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involve an impaired driver. AAA wants to remind anyone who plans to drink to arrange a sober driver before going out.
If you’re planning a road trip, you should also prioritize car maintenance and stay on top of routine oil changes, plus check the condition of your battery and tire pressure. Last year during the week of Fourth of July, AAA says it responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide.
AAA also reminds everyone to slow down and move over whenever there are first responders and stranded drivers on the side of the road.
For more information on traveling this Fourth of July holiday, click here.
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