Avoid distracted driving; carpool if you can
AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5. And the most popular destination in the northeast region is the Jersey Shore.
“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a release. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
AAA projects 61.4 million people will travel by car over July 4th week, nearly the same number as last year when 61.3 million travelers took road trips. 85% of Americans traveling for Independence Day are expected to drive to their destinations, despite gas prices reaching four-year highs. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.15. This year, prices are higher but remain lower than 2022, when the national average was $4.80 on Independence Day. But drivers are getting a break at the pump as the summer travel season heats up. For the first time since Mach 30, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down to $3.99.
Despite higher gas prices, filling up the tank during a road trip is still cheaper than purchasing flights for many travelers, especially for families with kids.
July 4th week can be especially dangerous on the road with more teen drivers behind the wheel and a rise in impaired driving due to holiday festivities. That’s why AAA is urging drivers to commit to 100 Days of Safe Driving this summer. According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. AAA, in partnership with MADD, reminds anyone who plans to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before going out.
Local law enforcement agencies in the Downbeach area have received state funding to beef up patrols to discourage impaired driving.
Drivers preparing to take road trips should also prioritize car maintenance and stay on top of routine oil changes, plus check battery condition and tire pressure, especially since there aren’t many service stations on Absecon Island.
Last year during Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls. Half of those required towing services, and nearly 30% of those calls were for battery replacement and flat tires.
Once on the road, AAA reminds drivers to Slow Down, Move Over whenever there are emergency responders and stranded motorists on the side of the road. By reducing speed and changing lanes, drivers allow roadside workers to do their jobs safely and help prevent tragedies.
When you arrive at your destination – hopefully, you carpooled – it is advisable to take public transportation, ride a bicycle or walk to get around town, to the beach or out to dinner, as parking spaces on barrier islands are at a premium.
Local law enforcement advises motorists to abide by the rules of the road and park so that others can find a parking space, too. Property owners in some shore towns are allowed to have visitors park in the street in front of their driveways, but only with the permission of the property owner. Anyone else who parks where they shouldn’t will be ticketed or worse – towed to an out-of-town location.
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