AAA: Record Breaking 48.9 Million Americans To Travel Over 4th Of July

More Americans than ever recorded by AAA, nearly 49 million, are making plans to honor the red, white and blue with an Independence Day getaway this year. (AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.) Overall travel volume for the holiday is expected to rise 4.1% over last year, with an additional 1.9 million people planning road trips and other vacations to celebrate America's birthday. For the record-high 41.4 million Americans who will travel by automobile this Independence Day, INRIX, a global mobility analytics company, predicts drivers could face delays as much as four times a normal commute, with Wednesday, July 3 the worst day on the roads.

In addition to lower gas prices compared with last summer, broader economic fundamentals remain strong. Low unemployment, robust consumer spending, and rising disposable incomes are all encouraging more consumers to invest their hard-earned money in travel this summer.

"As Independence Day approaches, more Americans than ever are traveling for the holiday with the vast majority setting out on a road trip," said Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Moreover, a record number of Tennesseans will also travel for the holiday- an increase of 4.7% over last year bringing the expected number of Tennesseans traveling to more than 985,000."

Independence Day holiday travel, by mode
All Modes:
Nationwide: 48.9 million; 4.1% increase more than last year
Tennessee: 985,000; 4.7% increase more than last year

Automobiles: The vast majority of travelers will hit the road, the most on record for the holiday.
Nationwide: 41.4 million; 4.3% more than last year
Tennessee: 892,000; 4.9% more than last year

Planes:
Nation-wide: 3.96 million people will take to the skies, the highest number on record and 5.3% more than last year.
Tennessee: 44,000; 5.75 more than last year
Trains, Buses and Cruise Ships:
Nation-wide: Travel across these sectors will increase by 0.6% to 3.55 million passengers. Tennessee: 50,000; 1% increase over last year
Record-level drivers equals record-level delays
For the 41.4 million Americans traveling by automobile this Independence Day, INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the greatest amount of congestion on Wednesday, July 3 as commuters mix with holiday travelers. In major metros, drivers could face delays as much as four times a normal commute. Nationwide, delays are expected to increase by approximately 9%.
Lower gas prices motivating millions of road trippers
With today's national average of $2.66, gas prices are 22 cents less year-over-year and expected to drop even lower into the summer. This is motivating record numbers of travelers to take road trips for the holiday weekend.
"Gas prices have fallen, on average, 18-cents since Memorial Day weekend making it easier for motorists to hit the road to celebrate the July Fourth holiday," added Milani. "More so, summer gas prices are poised to continue dropping even lower in coming weeks."

AAA to rescue nearly 367,000 motorists
AAA expects to rescue nearly 367,000 motorists at the roadside this Independence Day holiday. Dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts will be the leading reasons AAA members will experience car trouble. AAA recommends motorists take their vehicles to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out on a road trip. Additionally, before hitting the road, motorists need to be prepared for emergencies by taking along a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers.