Heavy holiday traffic expected as citizens mark ‘America 250’ Independence Day
With America marking a major milestone this Fourth of July, countless Floridians will take to the land, sea and skies to celebrate in a big way.
According to AAA-The Auto Club Group, projections show more than 4.6 million Sunshine State residents will travel at least 50 miles from home for the Independence Day holiday travel period, which runs from June 27 through July 5. AAA officials say most travelers will hit the road, with more than 4 million Floridians driving to their destinations. Air travel remains steady, while cruising and other modes of transportation see the strongest growth.
While this year’s increase is modest compared to recent gains, AAA officials state it still sets a record for Fourth of July travel in Florida, as strong consumer demand continues to offset higher travel costs.
“For many families, traveling for Independence Day isn’t just a trip, it’s a tradition,” said Vice President of Travel for AAA Debbie Haas, in a release. “Vacations are one category where consumers are still willing to spend, even if that means cutting back on something else. With an extended holiday travel period, we expect busy roads, steady demand for flights, and continued interest in cruises across many parts of the country.”
AAA officials said rather than staying home, many travelers are choosing to offset higher travel costs by taking shorter vacations, choosing destinations closer to home, planning a cruise or all-inclusive resort, and cutting back on extras such as eating out and souvenirs.
AAA officials said Florida’s growth reflects a broader national trend. AAA projects 72.2 million Americans to travel during the Independence Day holiday period, setting another record despite a slower pace of growth. This year’s projection is only a half-percent increase from last year as rising inflationary pressures take a toll.
So, what are the breakdown in the numbers?
According to AAA, a projected 61.4 million people will travel by car nationally during the holiday period.
AAA officials said given the recent volatility in gas prices, it’s too early to know what drivers will pay at the pump on Independence Day. During last year’s holiday, the state average was $3.11 per gallon.
Good news though, as according to AAA, Florida gas prices are on a streak of declines. Through the last 11 days, the state average fell 32 cents per gallon.
“Florida’s state average is now the lowest since early March,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA, in a release. “Lower gas prices come at an ideal time for summer travel and offer some financial relief for drivers. Still, the outlook remains uncertain. Developments involving the Strait of Hormuz will continue to influence whether prices rise or fall.”
According to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, the second weekend of the holiday period will be the busiest on the roads, starting July 2. Drivers looking to avoid the heaviest traffic should leave early in the day or consider traveling on Monday or Tuesday.
AAA projections show more than 5.8 million travelers will take domestic flights over the July 4th week, a 0.2% increase over last year. Air travelers account for 8% of holiday travelers. According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their Independence Day trips, with domestic flights overall are averaging about $830 a ticket.
This year, travel by other modes is seeing the biggest year-over-year growth compared to car and air travel, said AAA officials, with a projected 4.93 million Americans taking buses, trains, and cruises over Independence Day week — a 5.3% increase from last year. This year is also expected to surpass 2019’s figure of 4.79 million travelers, due in large part to the post-COVID cruising boom.
With any major holiday, especially the Fourth of July, adult beverage consumption paired with driving is always a hazardous and dangerous potential.
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. The Auto Club Group will provide its Tow to Go program from 6 p.m. July 3 to 6 a.m. July 6.
Tow to Go is a free confidential ride available to AAA Members and non-members. A AAA tow truck transports a vehicle and driver home or somewhere safe within 10 miles. Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go — it is designed as a safety net for those who did not plan ahead.
While on the road, AAA reminds drivers to “Slow Down, Move Over” when approaching emergency responders and stranded motorists on the side of the road. Nationwide, nearly 350 people are struck and killed while outside a disabled vehicle each year.
“Drivers can save lives if they make it a priority to move over for all vehicles on the roadside, regardless of whether it is a tow provider with flashing lights or a driver of a disabled vehicle with its hazard lights on,” AAA officials stated.