A record number of Americans are expected to travel by road this Independence Day holiday weekend, according to the AAA.
A total of 47.9 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home between June 30 to July 4 – including 42 million people by road.
The AAA said car travel volume, even with national average gas prices going over the $5 mark, will break previous records.
The association suggests the increase could be down to recent issues with air travel and ongoing concerns of cancelations and delays. The share of people traveling by air is expected to be the lowest since 2011.
The total number of travellers is an increase of 3.7 per cent from last year, bringing travel volumes just shy of those seen in 2019.
“The volume of travelers we expect to see over Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is kicking into high gear,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel.
“Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much needed vacation.”
Before hitting the road the AAA is urging motorists to get a full vehicle inspection ahead of any long trip and pack a well-stocked emergency kit and have roadside assistance just in case.
AAA expects to respond to more than 446,000 calls for roadside assistance over the Independence Day holiday weekend.
