July Fourth weekend travelers getting ready to hit the highway
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on July 2, 2015 1:46 PM
An estimated 42 million Americans will hit the road this holiday weekend -- the most in eight years, according to the American Automobile Association.
Many in North Carolina will be heading for the beach, and the sudden rash of shark attacks along the coast will not be far from any beachgoer's mind.
But that won't stop folks from hitting the water.
Leah Weaver, a Wayne School of Engineering student, said she is a little nervous for her upcoming beach trip to the Outer Banks.
"I'm going to get my feet wet and run out," she said, laughing.
Tyler Edmundson says he is not worried about getting in the water. He is celebrating at the beach and said he will be in the water.
But not everyone is planning a beach holiday.
Debra Newman is going to the mountains with her family this week. She wants to celebrate the weekend at a lake and is excited to get her whole family together.
"I would not get in the water, that's like hanging a Christmas ham," she said, laughing. "It's not the shark's fault. You can't blame the sharks, we're fishing their food."
However, the coast is still full of vacationers.
Connie Nelson, communications director for the Wilmington and Beaches Visitor Bureau, says she is very pleased with the high number of out-of-town visitors.
Earlier this week, she said that the beaches were filling up with people who decided to take the entire week off.
"We're expecting a strong weekend," she said.
During the day, Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach are both monitored by lifeguards.
"We're very fortunate to have lifeguard protection," Ms. Nelson said. "Pay attention to their signals and don't swim when they are not on duty."
There has not been a shark attack in Wrightsville yet this summer, but she says the guards are closely monitoring the water and are prepared.
Rose Hardy, office manager of AAA in Kinston, says the beaches are crazy this holiday weekend.
AAA of the Carolinas lists Myrtle Beach and Wilmington as the top two most popular beaches for July 4.
Most people are celebrating a long weekend, and the beach is a convenient getaway that isn't too far to get to.
Ms. Hardy says the Fourth is a road trip holiday, but if you haven't started planning yet, it is difficult to get a good deal.
"Ideally, you started planning in January or February when you got a long weekend ... you're going to pay higher prices now," she says. "We don't want to tell anyone bad news, but waiting makes it difficult for deals."
Tiffany Wright, public relations manager of AAA of the Carolinas, says that the best days to beat the traffic have passed. July 1 through July 5 are considered high travel times for North Carolina. Sunday will be chaotic on the road all day, as people return home.
"If you are able to leave on the Fourth, that would be the easiest," Ms. Wright said. "But we don't advocate drinking and driving, so be safe first."
She said nearly 1.2 million North Carolinians are going to be traveling over 50 miles from home this holiday. Ms. Wright said that 90 percent of them are driving, making it the highest number of road-travelers for July 4th in AAA history.
Part of the reason for the increase in vacationers is the relatively low price of gas. Drivers will get a break at the gas pump this year. In North Carolina, prices are down 91 cents across the state from a year ago. In Wilmington, prices hover around $2.69; last year the average was $3.59. The highest gas prices in the state are in Asheville at $2.74.
Ms. Hardy said she hopes that people are focusing on the car if they plan to take a road trip this weekend.
Call volume for roadside assistance is up during holiday weekends.
"Make sure you have your AAA card with you and have a game plan if you have a break down. You need a way to keep children and pets cool," she said. "Traffic can get backed up and that causes cars to overheat."
She recommends taking your car to a mechanic for a checkup before taking a long trip, and packing plenty of water in case of a breakdown.
"Water is really the answer," she said. "It can cool you down, keep you hydrated and maybe get your car started again."
Meanwhile, the state Highway Patrol is hoping to cut down on last year's total number of accidents despite the increase in traffic.
"Throughout the Independence Day weekend, the Highway Patrol will be working to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday," Commander Col. Bill Grey said.
Staff writer John Joyce contributed to this report.