Record-breaking Fourth of July travel expected
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on July 1, 2018 10:42 PM
Despite higher gas prices this year, a record number of travelers plan to hit the road during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
More than 1.3 million North Carolinians will travel more than 50 miles away from home during the holiday travel period, which starts Tuesday -- predicted to be the busiest travel day -- through Sunday, according to AAA Carolinas.
"With a record-level number of travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays around major metros," says Scott Sedlik, general manager and vice president of the public sector at INRIX.
"Although travel times are expected to nominally increase throughout the week, Tuesday afternoon will hands down be the worst time to be on the road. Our advice to drivers is to avoid peak commuting hours altogether or consider alternative routes."
Gas prices, which have decreased since the 2018 high mark of $2.80 per gallon during the Memorial Day weekend, are at their highest level since the Fourth of July in 2014, AAA Carolinas reports.
Yet, the higher prices will have little affect on travelers this year.
"Despite high gas prices, Carolinians appear to be traveling in record numbers to celebrate Independence Day," said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. "Confident consumers with additional disposable income will look to spend on travel this holiday, adding to an already busy summer travel season."
Drivers need to use caution while traveling on North Carolina highways, AAA Carolinas reports. During the holiday period in 2017, there were 4,130 vehicle crashes that resulted in 19 fatalities.
AAA Carolinas expects to assist more than 11,000 motorists during the Independence Day weekend, with most rescue calls expected to involve lockouts, flat tires and battery related problems.
The top travel destinations for Carolinians by vehicle are Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York City and Atlanta.
As Carolinians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the N.C. Highway Patrol will be out in force during the annual Booze It and Lose It campaign.
As part of the Governor's Highway Safety Program, 1st Sgt. John Bobbitt, with the N.C. Highway Patrol, said officers will be out looking for seat belt violators, speeders and anyone driving under the influence.
Known as Operation Firecracker, the goal is to prevent alcohol-related crashes stemming from Fourth of July celebrations. To date, 135 people have died statewide as a result of alcohol-related crashes, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.
"We want people to enjoy their Fourth of July holiday with family and friends, and want them to return home safely when the celebration ends," said Gov. Roy Cooper, in a press release.
Operation Firecracker will continue through Sunday across the state and officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints in all 100 counties.